Natural Gas Performance

High Performance + High Efficiency

Both natural gas and diesel engines, along with gen sets, have proven performance and reliability. Diesel has a higher power density and can reach full load more quickly than natural gas; however, natural gas generators can meet the <:10 minimum startup time required for emergency power supply systems. Once started, reliability and performance of diesel, natural gas, and bi-fuel generators are equivalent. Diesel generators have a higher overall efficiency.

  • Natural gas, diesel, and bi-fuel generators have proven performance and reliability.
  • Natural gas generators can meet the :10 startup time required for emergency power systems.
  • The overall efficiency (HHV/kWe) of diesel generators is 15% - 25% higher than natural gas. 

Total Cost of Ownership Calculator

Installed costs for backup power generation systems can vary significantly based on the application and site specific conditions. In addition, regional fuel prices for natural gas and diesel also are a key factor. Since there are no universal costs, use the TCO calculator to get a generator startup calculation  and review total ownership costs based on your local rates and product requirements.

Click here to launch the Total Cost of Ownership calculator.


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Environmental Responsibility: Smaller Carbon Footprint

Environmental Responsibility

Natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels to use. Emissions of sulfur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) are considerably lower when compared to diesel fuel.

Diesel engines also emit more nitrogen oxide and particulate matter than similar spark-ignited units, which has led to increased scrutiny from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Intense emission level regulations and aggressive tier changes from the EPA could eventually result in diesel engines being taxed at a greater rate due to their higher carbon dioxide emissions.

In addition, the high level of emissions produced by diesel gensets may increase the difficulty in procuring an air-quality permit. Obtaining an air-quality permit for natural gas units is easier because they produce fewer harmful emissions. For companies that emphasize a core value of “being green”, natural gas is the best fuel choice in most situations.

Natural Gas Performance Articles

Technological advances, an accessible and abundant domestic resource, and the world’s most extensive and reliable delivery infrastructure provide an opportunity to satisfy significant new demand at affordable prices well into the future.
A Matter of Time

A Matter of Time

Generator maintenance programs shouldn’t be overlooked and it’s important to understand the extra human effort needed to keep a diesel generator operating at peak condition compared to a gaseous-fueled unit.

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Saying Good Bye

Saying Good Bye

Natural gas is the more dependable and less expensive fuel over time when compared to diesel. Natural gas performance is reliable requiring less overall maintenance and attention from facility personnel. Gas generator efficiency is high, cutting costs in the long run.

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Smart Investments

Smart Investments

Recent advances in natural gas technology are starting to topple diesel’s dominance.

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