Gas vs. Diesel Generators: Choosing the Right Power Solution

Reliable power generation is essential for modern business operations. Whether for backup power, continuous operation, load management, or peak shaving, selecting the right generator impacts efficiency, cost, and sustainability. Businesses often weigh the benefits of natural gas versus diesel generators. Here’s a breakdown of how these two options compare—and why natural gas is an increasingly attractive choice.

Why Choose Natural Gas Generators?

Natural gas generators offer dependable, efficient power for a wide range of industries. They emit fewer greenhouse gases and particulates, helping organizations meet sustainability targets. Cost-wise, natural gas is often more affordable than diesel and can be integrated into demand response or peak shaving programs to lower utility bills. With fuel delivered via pipeline, businesses avoid the logistical challenges of onsite storage and refueling. Natural gas units also tend to be more compact—ideal for space-limited facilities or urban settings.

Natural Gas vs. Diesel: Key Comparisons

• Environmental Impact: Natural gas generators emit fewer greenhouse gases and typically comply with emissions regulations without the need for extensive after-treatment systems. Diesel generators release higher levels of CO₂ and particulates and often require the use of emission control technologies like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) or a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF).
  
  
• Fuel Supply: Natural gas is delivered continuously through pipelines, eliminating the need for storage and refueling logistics. Additionally, dual-fuel capability with propane ensures reliable performance even without pipeline access or during emergencies. Diesel generators rely on onsite fuel tanks, which require monitoring and can degrade over time.
  
  
• Operational Costs: Cat® DG40-80 natural gas generators can deliver up to 35% fuel cost savings when compared to competitors and generally also offer lower fuel maintenance costs. Diesel units tend to be more expensive to operate and maintain but excel in high-load or remote applications.
  
  
• Noise and Maintenance: Natural gas units run more quietly, burn cleaner, and are EPA compliant, making them ideal for environments like hospitals. Diesel generators are louder and need more frequent service but provide dependable power under demanding conditions.

Real-World Applications

In the healthcare sector, a regional hospital recently transitioned to a 150 kW natural gas generator for emergency power. The quieter operation and cleaner emissions aligned with regulatory requirements and improved patient comfort—while maintenance costs dropped by 20%.

A Pennsylvania manufacturing plant turned to a 100 kW natural gas generator for peak shaving. The switch not only saved the company $30,000 annually but also cut emissions by 15%, helping the facility meet internal sustainability goals.

A major retail chain deployed 150 kW natural gas units across several metro locations to ensure reliable backup power. The lower noise output improved customer experience, and the uninterrupted fuel supply kept operations running during outages.

Why Cleveland Brothers?

Cleveland Brothers provides tailored generator solutions to meet your operational and energy goals. From engineering and installation to testing and maintenance, every step is backed by expert support and regional know-how. As the area's trusted Cat® dealer, Cleveland Brothers delivers high-performance power systems with the reliability your business depends on.

Natural gas generators in the 40-80 kW range offer a compelling mix of efficiency, affordability, and sustainability. With Cleveland Brothers as your power partner, you’re equipped not just with the right generator—but with the long-term support needed to stay powered and productive.