Factors influencing prices for heat from biogas plants

摘要: Abstract Heat prices are crucial for the revenues that biogas plants can generate; they make or break a plant’s business. But little empirical price data exists. To remedy this and to identify factors influencing heat received by plants, we surveyed 602 plant operators in Germany, yielding 1035 points. We found mean of 1.91 EuroCt/kW h on contract level, revenue 2.1 wide variation across utilization paths. Five were identified together explain almost 50% variance observed. The top three all contribute higher prices: first, operator also operates grid; second, offer full supply security; third, be sold heating buildings. agricultural drying processes commands significantly lower prices. Macroeconomic characteristics region do not affect prices; local seem play decisive role. This leads variations limited influence any one factor price. Companies investors thus advised enter into pre-negotiations with prospective customers so realistic site-specific numbers off-heat used planning; anything less puts venture at risk. Policy makers, when setting subsidies have from heat; results study help them so.