The Benefits of Small Off-Grid Natural Gas Generators
As the demand for reliable and sustainable power solutions grows, small off-grid natural gas generators - also known as gensets - are becoming increasingly important. These generators offer a clean, efficient, and dependable source of energy for remote locations, industrial sites, and backup power needs.
Why choose natural gas for off-grid power?
Natural gas is recognized as a cleaner alternative to traditional fossil fuels like diesel or coal. It produces fewer emissions, including lower levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter. This makes natural gas generators an environmentally responsible choice for organizations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
In addition to environmental benefits, natural gas is often more cost-effective and readily available, especially in regions with established gas infrastructure or for oil and gas industry sites. For off-grid applications, this means a reliable fuel supply that can be less expensive and easier to manage than diesel deliveries. When natural gas is not available, tanked propane also offers cost-effective, readily available and clean-burning potential as an alternative to diesel.
With over 50 years of expertise, Global Power Technologies (GPT) has been a leader in natural gas-based power generation. Building on this legacy, GPT has developed the MX Prime Generator, a high-efficiency internal combustion engine (ICE) generator capable of delivering up to 6.0 kW of continuous power. The MX Prime Generator is purpose-built for continuous runtime and minimal maintenance, making it ideal for unmanned or off-grid sites with access to natural gas infrastructure. It features an extended oil sump and a long-run engine from a leading OEM, with maintenance intervals of up to 9,000 hours. Designed for continuous duty, cycling, or intermittent operation, the MX PrimeGen offers dependable performance in even the most demanding conditions or in solar-hybrid applications.
Key Advantages of Natural Gas Gensets
1. Cleaner Emissions
Natural gas gensets emit significantly less CO₂ and other pollutants compared to diesel generators. This reduction in emissions helps organizations meet regulatory requirements and sustainability goals. Cleaner operation also means less impact on local air quality, which is especially important for remote communities and sensitive environments.
2. Reliable and Consistent Power
Off-grid locations often face challenges with power reliability. Natural gas generators are known for their dependable performance, providing consistent electricity even in harsh conditions. This reliability is critical for industries such as oil and gas, telecommunications, rail and remote research facilities, where power interruptions can lead to costly downtime or safety risks.
3. Cost Savings
Operating costs for natural gas gensets are typically lower than those for diesel units. Natural gas prices are generally more stable, and maintenance requirements are often reduced due to cleaner combustion. Over time, these savings can be substantial, making natural gas an attractive option for long-term off-grid power solutions. Natural gas or tanked propane internal combustion engines are also more cost-effective than other technologies, such as Stirling Engines, which have more than double the fuel consumption, higher capital cost, and more costly maintenance when an issue arises.
4. Reduced Maintenance
Because natural gas burns cleaner than diesel, engines experience less wear and tear. This translates to longer service intervals, fewer oil changes, and reduced risk of engine deposits or clogging. Lower maintenance needs mean less downtime and lower operating costs. The benefit of internal combustion engine-based generators, such as the MX, is that their operation and maintenance are completely familiar to operators or technicians who may have run diesel-based generators in the past.
Applications of Small Off-Grid Natural Gas Generators
Natural gas gensets are used in a variety of settings, including:
- Remote Industrial Sites: Oil and gas operations, small mining operations, and construction sites often require reliable off-grid power.
- Telecommunications: Cell towers and communication hubs in remote areas depend on gensets for uninterrupted service.
- Backup Power: Facilities or operations that cannot afford power interruptions, such as rail, emergency services or surveillance, use natural gas generators as backup systems, or similar equipment on tanked propane if natural gas is not readily available.
Developments and Insights
Recent advancements in generator technology have even further improved the efficiency and emissions performance of natural gas gensets. Manufacturers are focusing on integrating smart controls, remote monitoring, and enhanced fuel management systems to optimize performance and reduce operational costs.
Industry leaders, such as GPT, are working closely with clients to customize solutions that meet specific site requirements. By leveraging the latest technology and best practices, these companies help organizations achieve their energy goals while minimizing environmental impact. Whether you're powering methane reduction technology, cathodic protection, or environmental monitoring equipment, GPT’s solutions are designed to keep your operations running smoothly.
Information and Contact
To learn more about the MX PrimeGen, click here. For sites with power requirements greater than 6 kW, contact gptsales@globalte.com.