Natural Gas
Lower emissions with natural gas cogeneration applications
Natural gas is a viable option in the energy transition and can help reduce carbon emissions compared with other energy sources.
Our dedicated Jenbacher experts are available to provide personal consultation.
Natural gas is a suitable, dispatchable alternative to the increasing proportion of non-dispatchable, fluctuating renewables in global power grids. Natural gas can be deployed immediately to serve as a substitute.
Benefits of natural gas power plants
- Up to 95% total efficiency in cogeneration mode
- Reduced emissions
- Lower energy-related operational costs
- Fuel availability
- Reliability
Renewable natural gas power generation
In addition to natural gas from fossil sources, natural gas can be derived from renewables. Also called biomethane, renewable natural gas (RNG) often comes from agricultural waste or landfills, where it is turned into an energy source (biogas). The biogas then is upgraded to a quality that resembles that of natural gas. Fully interchangeable with natural gas, it can be fed into the existing natural gas pipeline network. The advantage? RNG uses waste to keep CO2 from the atmosphere while helping to decarbonize the gas grid.
The use of RNG in our Jenbacher engines is just one of many sustainable energy solutions from INNIO, with engines capable of efficient operation on a variety of renewable energy sources.
Discover our broad portfolio of natural gas applications below.
*Source: IPCC 2006
Experience our webinar: Learn about our CHP solutions
Jenbacher North American team invites you to review the recording of our recent webinar, to learn how Jenbacher can help you develop your power plant projects, including equipment design and performance, using hydrogen and much more! In the webinar, you will learn more about:
- Overview of an independent power plant and its components
- Jenbacher’s highly efficient type 6 genset
- Our hydrogen power generation solutions
- How proven equipment design improves performance
- Power generation solutions with quick delivery and easy installation
The information provided is relevant for the North American market. Please reach out to our experts to discuss your project.
Applications
Our portfolio of innovative solutions gives businesses and communities around the world the ability to generate reliable and efficient power at or near the point of use, anytime – on the grid or off.
Selected Case Studies
Düsseldorf Airport (GER)
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
Dettenhausen (GER)
thanks to a partnership between industry and municipal utilities
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
RAG Austria (AUT)
Harnessing the summer sun for winter energy using a Jenbacher hydrogen solution
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Total efficiency
Energy source
Commissioned
STAWAG (GER)
for full control over your exhaust gas levels
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
Bad Reichenhall (GER)
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
BOPP Barranquilla (COL)
Trigeneration solution for plastic industry
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Total efficiency
Energy source
Commissioned
Düsseldorf Airport (GER)
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
Dettenhausen (GER)
thanks to a partnership between industry and municipal utilities
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
RAG Austria (AUT)
Harnessing the summer sun for winter energy using a Jenbacher hydrogen solution
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Total efficiency
Energy source
Commissioned
STAWAG (GER)
for full control over your exhaust gas levels
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
Bad Reichenhall (GER)
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Energy source
Commissioned
BOPP Barranquilla (COL)
Trigeneration solution for plastic industry
Location
Installed engines
Electrical output
Thermal output
Total efficiency
Energy source
Commissioned
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural gas a good choice of fuel for onsite power generation?
Natural gas is widely used for on-site power generation because it is generally available through pipeline infrastructure and supports efficient CHP applications. Its suitability depends on local natural gas availability, fuel costs and project requirements.
How does natural gas compare to diesel for generators?
Where pipeline infrastructure is available, natural gas can avoid the need for on-site liquid-fuel storage. The emissions profile and relative fuel-cost stability depend on the technologies, operating conditions and regional energy markets being compared.
Can a natural gas generator be converted to run on hydrogen later?
Many Jenbacher natural gas engines are hydrogen-ready and can be configured or converted to run on gas-hydrogen blends. The exact blend percentage and conversion requirements depend on the specific engine and project.
How can natural gas generation complement renewable energy?
Natural gas power generation can complement renewable energy sources by providing dispatchable power when renewable generation is insufficient or unavailable. When used in a CHP application, it can also provide useful heat and improve overall fuel utilization. The emissions impact depends on the previous energy supply, system configuration, fuel use and operating conditions
Do I need my own pipeline connection to use a natural gas generator?
In most cases, yes — natural gas generators typically rely on an existing pipeline connection, though some projects use compressed or liquefied natural gas delivered by truck where pipeline access isn’t available. Fuel supply logistics are usually assessed early in project planning.
How reliable is natural gas as a fuel source for continuous power?
Natural gas is generally considered a reliable, continuous fuel source where pipeline infrastructure is stable, making it well suited to baseload and CHP applications. Reliability can vary in regions with less developed gas infrastructure.
Consult an expert
Send us a message and we’ll contact you to start the conversation.
Whether your business is looking for onsite power solutions, access to electricity, decreased energy costs, or even to sell electricity back to your local grid/consumers, Jenbacher regional experts can advise you on which solution makes the most sense for you.
