Gas Power Generation

Natural gas is a fossil fuel and thus a finite resource. It is formed when the prehistoric remains of animals and plants are buried and subjected to high temperatures and pressures for millions of years.

Natural Gas continues to play a vital role into the energy mix.

An efficient means and widely used of generating power is by using a natural gas generator. Natural gas can be used to power both emergency and portable generators and is regarded as being one of the most affordable and effective fuels among non-renewable resources for power generation. In terms of affordability, coal is perhaps the only fuel that is less expensive. However, one of the biggest disadvantages of coal is that it is a high pollutant.

Natural gas is typically obtained in a manner similar to that of drilling oil. The liquid form is then transported to various areas where it is converted into its gaseous form. Thereafter, it is made available to people through pipelines and cylinders.

A natural gas generator works in a manner similar to other generators. In fact, the most basic difference between generators is the fuel that is used to power the units. In this case the source of energy to start the generator is a natural gas. Such generators are commonly used in larger cities since the supply of fuel is made readily available through pipelines. But, aside from its obvious advantages, natural gas generators also have several disadvantages.

The most obvious pros of using natural gas as a fuel to power your generators is that it is:

- Cleaner

- Less expensive than other non-renewable fuels

and

- Considerably efficient

Compared to oil and coal, the emissions of sulphur, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) are considerably lower. Therefore, natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels when it burns.

Another advantage of natural gas generators is that natural gas does not produce a pungent odour, which is fairly common in generators powered by oil or diesel.

Natural gas generators are also effective in reducing costs when used to power homes. This is because electricity from the main utility source is a far more expensive alternative.

Apart from being cleaner and cheaper, natural gas is also readily available in large cities since it is delivered directly through pipelines. Therefore, when using natural gas powered generators, storage of fuel becomes redundant.

When it comes to the cons of natural gas generators, one of its advantages can also be considered as a disadvantage. Since natural gas need not be stored as it is supplied through gas pipelines, at times of natural calamities the supply of natural gas is disrupted. There may be the situation when there is a lack of fuel when there is needed the most the generator to be operated.

On the other hand, natural gas is extremely explosive and can be a serious fire hazard should the pipeline burst.

Compared to diesel generators, natural gas generators are:

- More expensive to run

- Emit more carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas

 

Moreover, natural gas is a limited or non-renewable energy resource.