What Does a Turnkey Biogas Plant Package Include?
A turnkey biogas package covers the whole chain: feasibility and feedstock testing, permit support, basic and detailed engineering, civil works, digester tanks, feedstock handling, gas cleaning, CHP or upgrading, digestate storage, control and SCADA, grid connection, commissioning, operator training, plant-level performance guarantees, and handover ready to run. The defining feature is single-point responsibility—one contract and one accountable party.
The Ten Standard Elements
Element one is feasibility: lab or pilot digestion tests that set the guaranteed gas yield. Two is permitting support and grid application. Three is engineering, process and civil. Four is supply of digesters, tanks, mixers, pumps, and gas handling. Five is the energy conversion unit, CHP or upgrading. Six is digestate storage and handling. Seven is electrical, control, and SCADA. Eight is installation and civil works. Nine is commissioning and training. Ten is plant-level performance guarantees.
Comparative Data Table: What Is In and What Is Not
| Package element | Included in turnkey | Commonly excluded |
| Feasibility and AD lab tests | yes | pilot plant at owner cost |
| Permits and grid application | supported and prepared | permit and application fees |
| Process and civil engineering | yes | — |
| Digester tanks and equipment | yes | — |
| CHP or upgrading unit | yes | grid upgrade charges |
| Digestate storage and handling | yes | digestate offtake contract |
| Commissioning and training | yes | owner operating staff |
| Performance guarantee | yes, plant level | feedstock supply risk |
| O&M support | 1–5 years optional | long-term staffing |
| Land and buildings | no | owner responsibility |
The Clause That Decides Whether It Is Really Turnkey
Look for a plant-level performance guarantee expressed against a defined feedstock basis: guaranteed specific gas yield in Nm³ per tonne of volatile solids, guaranteed electrical or biomethane output, and guaranteed availability, typically 92–96% for the energy conversion unit. If the contract only warrants individual equipment and leaves the interface risk with you, it is an equipment supply or EPC contract wearing a turnkey label.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What does a turnkey biogas plant package include?
A: Feasibility and feedstock testing, permit support, engineering, civil works, digesters and equipment, CHP or upgrading, digestate handling, control system, grid connection, commissioning, training, and plant-level performance guarantees—delivered ready to operate under one contract.
Q2: Does turnkey include permits and feedstock supply?
A: Permit documentation is usually prepared and submitted as part of the package, but fees and the final legal responsibility stay with the owner. Feedstock supply is almost always the owner’s obligation, since the guarantee is written against a defined feedstock specification.
Q3: What guarantees come with a turnkey plant?
A: Plant-level guarantees: specific gas yield per tonne of volatile solids, net electrical or biomethane output, and availability (commonly 92–96% for the genset or upgrading unit), backed by liquidated damages and a defects liability period of 12–24 months.
Q4: Is O&M part of the turnkey scope?
A: Usually optional rather than automatic. Most suppliers offer 1–5 year O&M agreements with remote monitoring, scheduled servicing, and spare parts. Confirm response times and whether consumables and major overhauls are included.