First the farm. Then the system.
Animal numbers are the start of the conversation. Choosing a system requires a feedstock and energy balance, together with a site assessment.
Compare power and operating time
Ceiling based on power and operating time
20 kWe × 24 h × 365 / 1 000. A mathematical ceiling, not a net production or savings forecast. It excludes downtime, internal consumption and feedstock limitations.
Show 10 original examples
Manufacturer’s figures read on 11-09-2026.
Indicative manufacturer’s figures. Results depend on slurry quantity and quality, housing system, process water and biogas potential. Precise selection requires sample testing.
| Livestock | Power (kW) | Operation (h/day) | Animals (head) | Slurry (m³/year) | Biogas (m³/year) | Electricity (MWh/year) | Heat (MWh/year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle | 20 | 12 | 100-200 | 2200 | 57500 | 85 | 180 |
| Cattle | 20 | 24 | 200-300 | 4400 | 115000 | 175 | 360 |
| Cattle | 30 | 24 | 300-400 | 6600 | 173000 | 260 | 515 |
| Cattle | 40 | 24 | 400-500 | 9500 | 250000 | 38540 kW: the original 385 MWh/year exceeds the maximum 350.4 MWh/year at 24 h/day and 365 days. | 690Heat: 690 MWh/year at 40 kW and 604 MWh/year at 50 kW. The comparison method requires clarification. |
| Cattle | 50 | 24 | 500+ | 10000 | 284000 | 435 | 604Heat: 690 MWh/year at 40 kW and 604 MWh/year at 50 kW. The comparison method requires clarification. |
| Pigs | 20 | 12 | 1200-2500 | 2500 | 57500 | 85 | 180 |
| Pigs | 20 | 24 | 2500-3800 | 5100 | 115000 | 175 | 360 |
| Pigs | 30 | 24 | 3800-5200 | 7500 | 173000 | 260 | 515 |
| Pigs | 40 | 24 | 5200-6200 | 10500 | 250000 | 38540 kW: the original 385 MWh/year exceeds the maximum 350.4 MWh/year at 24 h/day and 365 days. | 690Heat: 690 MWh/year at 40 kW and 604 MWh/year at 50 kW. The comparison method requires clarification. |
| Pigs | 50 | 24 | 6200+ | 12500 | 284000 | 435 | 604Heat: 690 MWh/year at 40 kW and 604 MWh/year at 50 kW. The comparison method requires clarification. |
Compare power and operating time.
The current manufacturer’s range covers 20, 30, 40 and 50 kWe. The 20 kWe examples distinguish between 12 and 24 operating hours per day.
The comparison tool shows a ceiling based only on power and the operating time entered. It is not a forecast of net energy, sales or savings.
How much feedstock is available throughout the year?
Prepare the slurry type, animal numbers and approximate annual volume. Describe the livestock housing system, process water and seasonal changes in availability.
Do you keep mixed livestock? Describe cattle, pigs and the available slurry quantities separately.
The outcome depends on how the energy is used.
Electricity
Pumps, cooling, ventilation, milking
Heat
Process heat, hot water, heating
For a complete balance
- Feedstock and availability
- Internal consumption and downtime
- Operation and service
- Financing and settlement terms
Electricity can power pumps, cooling, ventilation and milking equipment, among other uses. Assessing how much demand it could cover requires a consumption profile, not just an annual bill. Electricity used on site can reduce purchases from the grid.
The balance includes the plant’s own energy use, downtime, process heat demand, labour, feedstock, service and financing. Any electricity sales require a separate settlement model. We do not present a fixed payback period or guaranteed income.
Funding in Poland: check dates and terms.
Checked on 11-09-2026. The NFOŚiGW schedule dated 08-09-2026 lists “Energia dla wsi” as a planned call from 01-10-2026 to 31-12-2026. This is neither an open call nor an awarded grant.
The manufacturer’s source page also mentions ARiMR, Poland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and Agroenergia. The 2024 ARiMR call and previous support figures are retained in the source information. Selecting a programme requires current rules and project details.
Five steps towards a prepared project.
Farm details
Slurry type and quantity, year-round availability, electricity bills and potential heat users.
System choice and balance
Analysis of feedstock, power options and energy use on your farm.
Design and funding
Project scope, site preparation, administrative requirements and available funding options.
Installation
Ground preparation, tank placement and connections.
Commissioning and training
Starting up, stabilising the process and preparing for operation and contact with the service team.
We start with farm details, followed by system choice and an energy balance. Next come design, administrative requirements and funding, then installation, commissioning and training.
MetanExpert’s offer includes support with design, administrative and legal matters, funding, installation and service. The individual offer defines the work, responsibilities and timetable.
Are animal numbers enough to determine the power rating?
No. Assessment also requires feedstock volume and properties, availability and energy demand. Example livestock ranges do not replace an individual assessment.
What if my herd is on the boundary of two ranges?
At a range boundary, animal numbers alone cannot determine the right unit. Provide feedstock details for an individual assessment.
I have fewer animals than the table shows, or mixed livestock.
Describe your farm and available feedstock. We do not choose a system by scaling the examples or adding cattle and pig numbers together.
Can I obtain a grant?
That depends on the current programme, call rules and your project. Dates and amounts in historical materials do not establish eligibility for support.