What Is The Best Generator? Diesel Or Natural Gas.

Diesel Generator versus Natural Gas Generator

If you rely on your generator to keep your company moving when the main power goes out, or if you work in a location where an electric grid is a distant dream, then you need to know you’ve got the absolute best power source to back you up. But is that a diesel or a natural gas generator?

Essentially, the result is the same. Both systems will provide the electricity you need to keep going when the power goes off. Choosing the best fuel for your emergency power supply system is an important early decision to make when installing new equipment.

So, are there major differences in diesel versus natural gas commercial generators? We explore the top differences in this blog from Duthie Power’s Generator Experts.

Generator Fuel Availability

If your business already uses natural gas, then you can draw it straight from the grid. On the face of it, that’s a major advantage.

But just like the electricity company, your natural gas supplier can suffer breaks in the service, and that means your backup might not be completely secure. You can buy Methane in tanks, too, but if you run from the grid and a tank, then you’re adding layers of complexity to the system, and that can cause issues of its own.

Diesel comes from a local supplier, and you get full control over the power supply. It’s also easy to buy, as diesel is used around the world for agricultural machinery, trucks, and cars.

Cost of Fuel

This used to be a complete no-contest. Diesel won hands down just a few years ago. Natural gas generators are closing the gap, though, and we’re heading towards a tipping point where gas could take the lead in energy efficiency. But we’re not there yet.

A diesel generator is generally more expensive to buy, which you have to factor into your decision. But if you rely on it and use it often, then it will repay that initial investment many times over.

Diesel generators are the winner when it comes to cost, even though they cost more on paper. Simply put, diesel offers a higher energy density per unit volume, and that means it’s much more efficient. In summary, it gives you more bang for your buck.

Environmental Impacts of Diesel Versus Natural Gas

Natural gas generators have the advantage when it comes to emissions and overall environmental impact. It takes less energy to extract it from the ground, it’s cleaner when it comes out and the sulfur, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen emissions are significantly lower.

Diesel generators have come under fire for their emissions, especially NOx. The industry is working tirelessly on next-gen filters, though, as well as the efficiency of diesel generators. Newer diesel generators are also much quieter than the early models. This is especially important to businesses like hospitals, where noise pollution needs to be kept at a minimum.

Natural gas has the advantage here; there is no getting around the fact, but the gap is not as large as you might think.

Generator Fuel Safety

Natural gas is highly flammable, and any leak in your pipeline can be a major fire risk. It’s a volatile substance that is more likely to explode if it isn’t handled correctly. That can ramp up your costs when it comes to containment.

Diesel is a relatively safe substance. Of course, you still need to take care with any fuel, but diesel burns at a much higher temperature, and it doesn’t require spark plugs. That means it’s much safer than natural gas.

Longevity of your Generator Engine

Diesel engines have to withstand higher forces and they are famously reliable. Even in the passenger car industry, the life of a gas engine is far lower than that of a diesel-powered alternative, and that is a consistent trend with generators.

What will you choose? Diesel Fuel or Natural Gas?

It’s tempting to go for the lower cost and apparent convenience of natural gas. If you only use your generator occasionally and it isn’t mission-critical, that could absolutely be the right way to go. But if you rely on your generator, you use it often, or you simply cannot afford to be without power, then diesel still has the edge. Contact us for more information on the difference between diesel versus natural gas generators. Or you can call us at 800-899-3931, and we will connect you to one of our Generator Experts!