By Sujen Balakisson, Business Development Manager for Wärtsilä Africa
In a time where economic pragmatism is paramount for businesses across industries, the case for utilising gas engines has never been stronger. Wärtsilä, a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the energy market, is emphasising the compelling financial advantages that gas engines offer to a variety of industries and power users at various scales.
The financial landscape of the modern business world demands solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also provide cost savings. Gas engines emerge as a frontrunner in this pursuit, offering a myriad of benefits that translate into significant financial gains.
- Save money out the gate – gas engines not only offer fast start up and ramp rates but starting them up costs your company absolutely zero. This is especially advantageous when needing to respond swiftly to varying load conditions.
- Efficiency is key – gas engine solutions provide modularity in power plant design combined with superior flexibility and reliability, along with its exceptional optimisation of fuel consumption; in combination these attributes lead to an overall economically beneficial throughput.
- Reduced Operational Costs – when compared to other gas power generation technologies, gas engines boast lower overall fuel costs. This reduction in fuel expenditure can also be transitional through fuel flexibilities such as dual fuel and future fuel solutions; directly contributing to improved profit margins, allowing businesses to allocate resources more strategically.
- Maintenance Savings – another financial advantage of gas engines lies in their simplified maintenance requirements as well as the longer intervals between maintenance interventions. This means less frequent servicing, decreased downtime, and ultimately, more productive hours for machinery and equipment.
- Tax Incentives and Rebates – governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are increasingly incentivising the adoption of more environmentally friendly technologies, and this includes gas engines which will enable the transition to a 100% renewable energy future. With the African Energy Chamber strongly urging South Africa to ease regulatory burdens on oil and gas companies, we anticipate that the rebates and incentives for the use of gas engine technology is imminent.
- Increased Asset Value and Longevity – investing in gas engine solutions enhances the overall value and longevity of business assets. These engines are known for their durability and reliability, ensuring a longer operational life. This translates to reduced expenditure on frequent replacements or major upgrades thereby reducing the occurrence of intensive maintenance intervention and preventing stranded assets.
- Environmental Compliance – beyond the direct financial benefits, businesses also gain a competitive edge by reducing their carbon footprint and adhering to stringent environmental regulations through using gas engine technology. Avoiding penalties and fines associated with non-compliance further enhances the financial benefit of utilising gas engines.
As businesses navigate an ever-evolving economic landscape, the financial benefits of gas engines become increasingly clear and compelling. Not only are there immediate cost savings, businesses also future-proof their endeavours against rising fuel costs and environmental regulations.
For more information on Wärtsilä and its advocacy for gas engines in the energy transition, please visit https://www.wartsila.com/energy/towards-100-renewable-energy/pathways-for-africas-energy-future
