Answers · Project evaluation
How do you compare capital costs for waste treatment plants?
Short answer
Compare capital costs only after aligning the project scope, currency, price year, and capacity basis. Use original figures alongside any normalized estimates.
Rebuild the scope before calculating a ratio
Check whether the estimate covers land, feedstock preparation, grid or gas connection, emissions controls, and financing. A vendor equipment quote and the full cost to put a site into service represent different purchases.
Use a transparent denominator
Cost per tonne per day can help screen similarly scoped facilities. Compare the same plant boundary and technology, and keep annual operating cost separate. Request the source estimate, its date, and exclusions before using a ratio for procurement.
Sources
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