Using diesel and gas generators on the road to Net Zero

With the focus on moving towards cleaner energy, the aim is for all power to be generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. Both diesel and gas are limited resources on Earth. Some estimates suggest there are as little as 50 years left before our supplies of crude oil and natural gas run out. Of course, the actual figure will depend on usage and whether new reserves are discovered, but there is no doubt we need to act now to protect the planet and ensure we can continue to meet energy demands.

However, as we make this transition, we still need to keep everyone adequately powered. It is not realistic for operations worldwide to make a sudden switch away from fossil fuels. Careful planning is needed to reduce your emissions in line with Net Zero targets and move to renewable energy at your pace.

This will mean choosing between diesel and natural gas generators for many businesses. You might think that gas is the obvious choice as it is a cleaner fuel, but it is not as straightforward. There are several advantages and disadvantages to both, which we will look at here to help you make the most informed decision.

Natural Gas

Of all the non-renewable energy sources, natural gas is the cleanest, and switching to it will significantly reduce your sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide emissions. It also does not produce the pungent odor that oil or diesel does, and gas generators are much quieter than their diesel counterparts, making for a more comfortable environment.

Thanks to an extensive network of pipelines across North America and the world, natural gas can be directly delivered to large cities, meaning you do not have to rely on fuel deliveries to keep you powered. However, pipeline damage can result in fires and supply disruption, so you need to have contingencies in place to deal with this.

Natural gas is explosive, so it must be handled with extreme caution. The complexities of dealing with it and its lower energy density mean that natural gas is often more expensive than diesel. Operators must weigh all the extra costs against the benefits of reduced emissions when deciding whether it is the right choice.

Diesel

Diesel is much less flammable than gas, and the lack of spark plugs in generators further lowers the fire risk, so it is a naturally safer fuel and will not require the expensive safety measures that natural gas does.

Diesel generators are not as complex as gas generators, meaning that maintenance costs are lower, and lifespan is longer. Depending on the number of generators you need, this may be a crucial factor in your decision-making.

These factors mean that diesel can be the cheaper choice in many situations. While it may be more expensive per unit than natural gas, its higher energy density and lower handling and maintenance costs make it attractive to many operators.

But while maintenance costs are typically low, upfront costs of diesel generators are expensive, so plenty of capital is needed when you first start using them. They also tend to be very bulky, taking up large amounts of space, and although newer models are quieter, they are still louder than gas generators.

Aggreko’s generator solutions

At Aggreko, we understand that different businesses have different requirements, and that is why we have a variety of generator solutions to suit everyone. We are investing heavily in cleaner fuels such as wind and solar, and we aim to be a key enabler in helping organizations reduce their emissions. But we also recognize the need to help you transition at your pace. Not everyone can instantly switch to renewable power, so we have developed equipment to deliver fossil fuel energy in the cleanest way possible.

We have a fleet of generators ranging from 30kW to 1,500kW that use the latest technology to reduce emissions and make them as efficient as possible. So do not worry if you are not near a natural gas pipeline or have concerns over its reliability. We can set up virtual pipelines, which, combined with onsite storage, will ensure your gas supply never runs out. And our diesel generators also run on alternative fuels such as HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), which will significantly reduce your carbon footprint.

Most importantly, there is no need for capital expenditure when you partner with Aggreko. All our solutions are available on a rental basis, so you do not need to worry about long-term maintenance costs or equipment quickly becoming obsolete. Our generators can be rapidly deployed wherever you are in the world, thanks to our strategically placed hubs. We continuously invest in the latest technology so you can be sure of getting the most efficient and quietest equipment when you choose us.

Aggreko has expert consultants who will work with you to understand and meet all your power requirements. We will carefully analyze your entire operations before designing your ideal solution based on your location, energy demands, clean fuel goals, and anything else necessary to you. Let Aggreko look after all your power needs so that you can focus on the core functions of your business and maximize productivity and profitability.

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