The sewage treatment process at Hyperion generates a class 1 renewable fuel known as digester gas. The new power plant, which will cost approximately $130 million to construct, will use the digester gas produced at Hyperion as its primary fuel source. The power plant will produce steam and electricity that will be used to operate Hyperion’s treatment operations.

According to Traci Minamide, L.A. Sanitation’s chief operating officer, Hyperion is among the 10 largest wastewater treatment facilities in the world. “This state-of-the-art facility will reduce emissions at the Hyperion plant and secure for our city a new energy source that is reliable, efficient and sustainable,” Minamide said.

L.A. Sanitation selected Constellation as the project developer after a lengthy competitive bidding process. Constellation and its subcontractors will develop, construct and operate the co-generation facility for 10 years, with an option to extend the agreement for five additional years. Commercial operation of the Hyperion co-generation facility is expected by the end of 2016.