By Sujen Balakisson, Business Development Manager for Wärtsilä Africa
In a world driven by the quest for sustainable and reliable energy solutions, the spotlight is increasingly turning towards the role of gas engines in shaping the future of power generation as they provide a highly flexible and effective power source. While renewable energy sources are gaining significant traction, the role of gas engines in the global energy landscape remains crucially complementary.
With their enhanced efficiency, versatility, and environmentally conscious features, gas engines remain a key player in the transition to a greener, more sustainable energy landscape.
Here’s why gas engines are the flexible power solution of the future.
1. Versatility in Fuel Types
Gas engines are not limited to natural gas alone; they can operate on a variety of fuels. This versatility ensures that gas engines can adapt to different fuel supplies and regional availability, making them a robust choice for diverse energy needs. The ability to switch between fuel types can also help mitigate the risks associated with fuel supply disruptions.
And as the world aims to move towards a stronger hydrogen economy, gas engines are poised to play a significant role. Many modern gas engines are already capable of running on hydrogen blends, and ongoing advancements are making 100% hydrogen operation a reality. This compatibility with hydrogen positions gas engines as a future-proof solution, aligning with global efforts to decarbonise the energy sector.
2. High Efficiency and Low Emissions
One of the primary reasons gas engines are gaining traction as the power solution of the future is their exceptional efficiency. These engines can achieve efficiencies significantly higher than other traditional thermal power plants. This means that more energy is produced from the same amount of fuel, reducing waste and lowering emissions. Furthermore, gas engines emit significantly lower levels of harmful pollutants compared to traditional thermal energy sources, contributing to cleaner air and a lower carbon footprint.
Wärtsilä’s power system modelling for South Africa in 2022 shows that a combination of renewable generation and flexibility assets could decarbonise the power system significantly. By adding 40 GW of combined wind and PV by 2032, supported by 9 GW of flexible gas and 7 GW of energy storage systems, South Africa could save $26B and reduce emissions by 17%. Conversely, without building flexible gas engine power plants, South Africa’s power emissions could increase by 17% and subsequently divert the country off the path to net-zero by 2050
3. Reliability and Rapid Response
Gas engines are renowned for their reliability and ability to provide rapid start-up and shutdown. They can operate continuously for long periods with minimal downtime, making them a dependable source of power. This makes them an ideal solution for balancing the intermittency of renewable energy sources. When the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing, gas engines can quickly ramp up in seconds to meet energy demand, ensuring a stable and reliable power supply. This flexibility is essential for maintaining grid stability in any renewable-centric energy system.
4. Economic Viability
The economic benefits of gas engines are multifaceted. When considering the capital cost investment, combined with high efficiency and fuel flexibility, it results in attractive lifecycle economics. Additionally, the use of locally sourced fuels can reduce dependence on imported energy, providing economic benefits to local communities and enhancing energy security.
5. Integration with Renewable Energy Systems
Gas engines play a pivotal role in the integration of renewable energy into the grid. By providing dispatchable power, they complement variable renewable sources, enabling higher penetration of renewables without compromising grid stability. This synergy between gas engines and renewables is critical for transitioning to a low-carbon energy future.
The shift towards gas engines aligns with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and combat climate change. By choosing gas engines for power generation, industries and communities can make substantial strides towards meeting their sustainability goals while ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply.
The future of power generation is undoubtedly being strengthened by the efficiency, reliability, versatility, and environmental benefits of gas engines. Their ability to utilise diverse fuels, coupled with high efficiency and low emissions, makes them a cornerstone of modern power systems. As we navigate the transition to a sustainable energy mix, gas engines will undoubtedly play a crucial role, ensuring that we have the power we need, when we need it, with minimal environmental impact.