Difference Between Diesel & Gas Generators

Diesel Generator vs. 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.

So, what are the differences between natural gas vs diesel generators?

1. 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.

2. Cost

Diesel generators are the winner when it comes to the cost, even though it costs 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.

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 actually take the lead when it comes to energy efficiency. But we’re not there yet.

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

3. Environmental Impact