Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: WLDN) has been awarded a $31 million design-build contract by Encina Wastewater Authority to develop a renewable cogeneration system at the agency's facility in Carlsbad, California.

The project will use biogas produced during wastewater treatment to generate on-site electricity. The scope of work includes a biogas conditioning system, low-emission generators, emissions reduction upgrades to existing generators, and a battery energy storage system with a microgrid controller.

Encina General Manager Scott McClelland said the project is intended to support continuous operations for the communities the agency serves. "Our goal is to significantly reduce emissions for permit compliance, allowing us to utilize all of our renewable biogas resources to generate power for 100% of our current electrical needs," he said.

Encina provides wastewater treatment services to more than 379,000 residents in northwestern San Diego County and is owned by six public agencies under a Joint Powers Agreement.