Jacobs Wins $200 Million Contract for San José Wastewater Facility Upgrade in California

Jacobs Solutions Secures Major Contract for Wastewater Upgrade in California

Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been awarded a significant contract as the progressive design-build contractor for a $200 million upgrade to the San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF) in California. As the second largest advanced wastewater treatment plant in the western United States, this project is pivotal for modernizing the city's biosolids treatment infrastructure. The upgrades aim to enhance the facility's long-term reliability, addressing critical needs for both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Central to the project is the replacement of aged mesophilic digesters, which plays a crucial role in reducing the volume of solids that require offsite disposal. This upgrade is expected to significantly improve the conversion of biogas into energy, supporting the facility’s award-winning cogeneration system, previously designed by Jacobs. Additionally, a new Fats, Oils & Grease (FOG) receiving station will be established to process high-strength waste from local businesses, transforming it into clean energy. This initiative not only reduces reliance on natural gas but also contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with broader sustainability goals in urban infrastructure.

Jacobs’ innovative design may incorporate its proprietary Microbial Hydrolysis Process (MHP), projected to enhance biogas output by up to 36% while simultaneously cutting biosolids production by approximately 74 wet tons per day—equivalent to the weight of about 50 mid-size cars. The project places a strong emphasis on seismic resilience and operational flexibility, ensuring that the facility can accommodate growth well into 2077. The collaboration includes key partners Walsh Construction and Structural Technologies, with Jacobs bringing over 25 years of experience in water design-build projects, having successfully completed more than 150 similar initiatives.

In a related development, Public Service Enterprise Group Incorporated (PSEG) has announced the election of Geisha J. Williams to its Board of Directors, effective March 1, 2026. Williams, who has extensive experience in the energy sector, previously served as CEO and president of PG&E Corporation. Her appointment underscores PSEG's commitment to enhancing its leadership team with strategic expertise in energy management and operational efficiency.

These developments highlight the ongoing evolution in both wastewater treatment and energy sectors, as companies like Jacobs and PSEG strive to implement innovative solutions that address the pressing challenges of sustainability and infrastructure resilience.