IRA Funding Impacts on the Delta Diablo Cogeneration System Improvements Project

Presentation Description: This presentation explores the transformative impact of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), enacted in August 2022, on the funding landscape for wastewater energy projects, with a focus on Delta Diablo’s Cogeneration System Improvements project. The project exemplifies how federal policy can catalyze infrastructure innovation, enabling public agencies to pursue ambitious energy recovery goals through strategic design and cross-sector collaboration.
Delta Diablo’s project, currently under construction with Brown and Caldwell serving as the design engineer, Psomas as Construction Manager, and Shimmick being the contractor, leverages the IRA’s enhanced funding mechanisms to accelerate the deployment of biogas technologies. The presentation will detail the compressed design schedule necessitated by funding timelines and the collaborative framework established between Delta Diablo and Brown and Caldwell to meet these demands. This case study underscores the importance of quick project delivery and interdisciplinary coordination in navigating evolving regulatory and financial environments.
The presentation will also address the broader implications of the IRA for municipal wastewater agencies, highlighting how the legislation has redefined feasibility thresholds for energy recovery projects. By aligning financial incentives with environmental objectives, the IRA has fostered a shared sense of purpose among stakeholders, streamlining decision-making and expediting implementation.
In addition to technical insights, the presentation will offer practical takeaways for professionals across disciplines, including engineers, operators, and agency administrators. It will emphasize the value of early-stage planning, stakeholder engagement, and adaptive design strategies in maximizing the benefits of federal funding programs.
This session is designed to engage a diverse audience through a combination of technical and interactive discussion. It aligns with CWEA’s emphasis on educational value, speaker expertise, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. The presentation will feature co-presenters at different career stages to provide multiple perspectives and foster inclusive dialogue.

Learning Objectives:
• Understand how Delta Diablo achieved accelerated on-site construction prior to 2025.
• Examine streamlined design methodologies in response to funding constraints.
• Explore how the IRA facilitated unified project goals across engineering and operational teams.