In a world where reliability and clean energy solutions are increasingly important, natural gas generators have become a favored choice for continuous power supply across various industrial sectors. By operating solely on natural gas, these generators offer a suite of benefits that can lead to significant advantages in the right contexts.
In this article, we’ll explore the unique benefits of natural gas generators and discuss how they might be the optimal solution for your power needs. Along the way, we’ll consider scenarios in which natural gas generators offer advantages over other generator types.
What are natural gas generators?
Natural gas generators are a type of generator powered exclusively by natural gas, which is often lauded for its efficiency and relatively low emissions profile. The combustion of natural gas produces electricity while releasing lower levels of pollutants compared to diesel-powered generators. There are several types of natural gas generators, including:
- Continuous duty natural gas generators
- Emergency standby natural gas generators
- Portable natural gas generators
Each type serves different roles, but across the board, the use of natural gas as a fuel makes them a cleaner and often more efficient choice for power generation.
Why are natural gas generators useful?
Depending on your exact needs, there are several compelling reasons to opt for a natural gas generator over other types, especially in industries that prioritize cost-efficiency, uninterrupted power, and environmental compliance.
- Cost-effectiveness: Natural gas is generally a cheaper fuel option compared to diesel or gasoline over time, especially taking into account its efficiency in power generation.
- Emissions: Natural gas burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, releasing fewer greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This can assist industries in meeting strict environmental regulations and reducing their overall carbon footprint.
- Reliability: Natural gas delivery infrastructures are robust in many areas, often providing a more secure and reliable fuel supply – critical for industries requiring a constant power supply.
- Long-term operation: Natural gas generators can provide consistent power without the need for frequent refueling, which is ideal for continuous, high-demand applications. However, this does also leave the generator vulnerable to inclement weather conditions that could affect your operation if utilities experience an outage.
When do you need a natural gas generator?
Deciding on a natural gas generator requires a careful consideration of your needs and budget. Below are five potential reasons why a dual fuel generator might prove useful over a single fuel generator.
- Continuous Operations: Industries that require uninterrupted power, such as data centers, hospitals, and manufacturing plants, may benefit from the reliability of natural gas generators.
- Environmental Policy Compliance: If your industry is subject to stringent environmental regulations, the reduced emissions of natural gas generators may be necessary to remain compliant.
- Infrastructure: Availability of natural gas infrastructure in your location may point towards the feasibility and practicality of choosing a natural gas generator.
- Cost Management: For operations where fuel costs are a concern, the generally lower price and stable supply of natural gas can be economically advantageous.
All in all, the necessity of natural gas generators depends on whether their unique benefits warrant investing in this type of unit. For industries that need a more versatile power source, microgrids and dual fuel generators can offer increased flexibility in the face of unpredictable challenges.
Power Your World With Confidence
At Depco, we understand that the choice of power generation equipment is critical for operational continuity and efficiency. That’s why some of the largest industries in the world trust us to provide expert advice and equipment that meets their needs.
If you want an in-depth guide to buying used gensets, take a look at our ultimate buyer’s guide. If you have specific questions about powering your world with confidence, don’t hesitate to reach out.