Methods of Calculation
Calculation Worksheet
The figures relate to a Biogas plant, built in a food processing factory, handling 10,000 tonnes per year of vegetable wastes, half from internal sources and the remainder imported, earning a small Gate Fee. Feedstock contains no animal by-products, so there is no need for pasteurisation equipment, and therefore a low capital cost and a high net energy output. All of the heat load is used locally in the factory. A £5 cost has been applied to cover transport of bio-fertiliser to farmland, but as competition increases between farmers keen to reduce their fertiliser bills, this might become positive. Simple payback for the plant is 5 years.
Plant statistics
- Net Electrical Output – 2,430 MWh/year
- Net Heat Output – 2,850 MWh/year
- Value of energy sales per tonne feedstock - £27.8 at £85 per MWh (eligible for Renewable Obligation Certificates) and £25 MWh from displaced heat.
- The plant saves 1,611 tonnes of CO2 from displaced grid electricity and heat and 13,530 tonnes of C02 equivalent from reduction in methane emissions at landfill sites.
2nd Calculation Sheet - for a Biogas plant taking Animal By Products:
