One good thing about having a number of experienced global manufacturers of power generation equipment is that they’re constantly pushing each other, driving innovation through friendly competition.
Leading the pack is Caterpillar power generation, which is reaching new heights thanks to innovation on several fronts: equipment running on natural gas and alternative fuels, liquefied nitrogen gas-fueled machinery, and even good old diesel-powered engines and generators.
Here is a snapshot of what they’re doing in all three areas:
- Natural gas, alternative fuels and caterpillar power generation
Natural gas is a fuel on the rise. More and more manufacturers are building a greater range of equipment to accommodate this trend. Caterpillar power generation innovation has been rightly focused on natural gas generators and engines, as the company now offers engines starting at 60 ekW and revving all the way up to high-horsepower 9700 ekW machines. But it doesn’t stop there; Caterpillar has also been exploring the potential of biogas and alternative fuels with greater frequency in order to satisfy both growing global power consumption and a desire to pursue fuels with lower emissions.
- Caterpillar power generation and liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Many manufacturers are looking once again at LNG innovation, especially when it comes to supporting operations in North America and the United Kingdom. Both the fuel’s low environmental impact and future potential for superior cost-effectiveness vs. marine diesel have been responsible for its rebound in popularity. One of Caterpillar’s latest innovations, the dual-fuel G3516, was recently selected to power LNG-Hybrid Barge, the world’s first LNG-powered barge. Boasting top-flight response, reliability, power and safety, the break-through innovation is a signal to all industries in the maritime commerce ecosystem that LNG is back to stay.
Even the fuel frontier that’s thought to have been tapped to the max is benefiting from Caterpillar power generation advances. Boasting super-efficient fuel consumption and global emissions compliance, Caterpillar’s diesel-powered generator sets and engines embody the state of the art. And one of the best things about Caterpillar is that if you’re not sure their equipment is right for you – or if you just have a short-term need – you can always rent it out.
