Wildfire Season Is Coming—Will Your Business Be Ready?
In both California and Alberta, wildfire season has become a predictable, high-risk reality. For organizations that depend on consistent power and operational uptime, these fire seasons now pose a serious threat—not just to infrastructure, but to the safety of personnel and the bottom line.
At Collicutt Energy Services, we specialize in more than just backup power. We help businesses build comprehensive contingency plans designed for real-world resilience.
The Risks: Downtime, Safety, and Uncertainty
California’s wildfire season now stretches from late spring through fall, often triggering grid instability, rolling blackouts, and Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). Alberta’s season runs from March through October, with peak threats in late spring and summer.
These events can:
Halt operations across industrial, commercial, and institutional facilities
Compromise communications and safety systems
Cause unplanned downtime and financial losses
Place employees and infrastructure at risk
The Solution: Resilience Through Preparedness
1. Backup Power Solutions That Perform
Collicutt offers diesel, natural gas, and CHP generator systems designed to match your facility’s energy needs and risk profile.
Diesel Generators – Fast-start, high-power output
Natural Gas Generators – Cost-effective, lower emissions
CHP Systems – Simultaneous heat and electricity generation for high-efficiency needs
We handle site assessments, design, permitting, installation, and commissioning—all tailored to meet local codes and fire safety regulations.
2. Seamless Power Transfer with ATS
Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) ensure a seamless transition between utility and backup power. In the event of a failure, your ATS activates within seconds—keeping your operations online and your equipment protected.
3. Remote Monitoring
Stay informed with cloud-based remote monitoring tools that provide:
Fuel level tracking
Real-time system health diagnostics
Fault alerts and reporting
Collicutt also offers 24/7 remote support to help you act fast when it matters most.
4. Routine Testing and Preventative Maintenance
Without testing, your backup generator is just an expensive placeholder. Collicutt provides scheduled maintenance services that include:
Load testing
Battery checks and fluid replacements
Comprehensive inspections and reporting
5. Full-Scope Safety Preparedness
True resilience includes safeguarding your personnel. We help implement:
Emergency lighting and alarms tied to backup power
Grid-independent communications systems
Stocked emergency supply kits (PPE, water, first aid)
Evacuation plans and coordination with local fire authorities
The Customer Benefit: Uninterrupted Power, Enhanced Safety
With a Collicutt-engineered contingency plan, you gain:
Uninterrupted operations during wildfire-related outages
Reduced risk of safety incidents and costly downtime
Confidence that your people and assets are protected by proven, reliable emergency power solutions
Expert support before, during and after fire season
Your Partner in Wildfire Resilience
Collicutt Energy Services delivers more than generators—we engineer resilience. From backup power to integrated emergency systems, we help businesses operate with confidence through any wildfire season.
Don’t Leave Your Business Exposed.
Contact us today to schedule your wildfire preparedness consultation.
In today’s world, where power outages can disrupt critical operations, having a reliable backup power system is essential. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 110 Standard provides crucial guidelines for emergency and standby power systems.
First things first, what is NFPA 110? NFPA 110 is a set of regulations that sets requirements for the installation, maintenance, operation and testing of emergency and standby power systems. It addresses the following areas:
Installation
Regular Testing and Maintenance
Fuel Management
Ventilation System Compliance
Documentation and Record-Keeping
Working with Authorities
Why NFPA 110 Compliance Matters
Safety First: NFPA 110 compliance helps prevent fires and explosions that could result from improper storage or handling of fuel.
Operational Reliability: A compliant generator ensures reliable operation during emergencies, minimizing downtime for critical systems.
Legal Requirements: Adhering to NFPA 110 standards reduces the risk of penalties or legal issues during inspections by authorities.
Extended Equipment Lifespan: Regular checks and maintenance as per NFPA 110 guidelines help prolong the life of your generator and its components.
Electrical System Connection: Ensure the generator can safely connect to the building’s electrical system within 10 seconds.
Ventilation: Check that air inlets and outlets are properly sized and unobstructed.
Alarm Systems: Confirm that failure alarms and temperature sensors are functioning correctly.
Starting System: Verify that the starting system batteries and charging systems are properly maintained.
By following these guidelines and working with certified professionals, you can ensure your generator remains NFPA 110 compliant, providing reliable emergency power when you need it most. Regular inspections and maintenance are key to maintaining compliance and the overall health of your backup power system.
What’s Included in Our Preventative Maintenance Plan?
At Collicutt Energy Services, we believe in keeping your generator and automatic transfer switch (ATS) systems running smoothly and efficiently. Our Preventative Maintenance Agreement ensures that your equipment is always ready when you need it. Here’s a detailed look at what our comprehensive plan includes:
Generator Maintenance
Load Bank Testing: We verify the generator’s performance under various loads, from 25% to 100% capacity, ensuring it meets customer specifications.
Thorough Inspection: Our technicians meticulously check and record temperatures and pressures every 15 minutes during testing.
Voltage and Amperage Checks: We monitor voltage and amperage at each phase every 15 minutes to ensure stable and reliable power output.
Detailed Procedures: Our process includes warming up the engine, incrementally stepping up the load, cooling down the system, and a final check for any leaks.
ATS Maintenance
Contaminant Inspection: We inspect for and remove any contaminant intrusion, such as dust or moisture, to maintain optimal performance.
Connection Integrity: Torque checks on main lug connections and inspections for looseness or overheating (when powered down) to ensure secure and efficient electrical connections.
Accessory Adjustments: Adjust all accessories to meet your specific requirements.
Contact and Hardware Checks: We remove barriers to inspect contacts, arc chutes, and heel contacts, and check the integrity of electrical hardware in the control panel (when powered down).
Operational Testing: Complete transfer testing of the system to verify proper functionality.
Bypass Switch Maintenance
Isolation and Manual Operation: Safely isolate the switch, manually operate it, and inspect, clean, and test its components.
Testing and Reconnection: Comprehensive testing of the ATS and reconnection to ensure seamless operation.
Additional Benefits
Trained service technicians
Fully stocked service trucks
True 24/7 Emergency Service
Fast Response Time: Guaranteed 4-hour response time
Repairs
Full-service maintenance agreements
Remote monitoring
Operation and Maintenance manuals including a written maintenance schedule
In the ever-evolving landscape of power generation, California’s stringent air quality regulations have presented new challenges for businesses relying on emergency diesel power generators. Collicutt has risen to meet those challenges head-on with their innovative approach to meeting Tier 4 Final (T4F) requirements.
Before we dive into the customer case study, we need to provide some definitions with respect to the different Tier 4 Final requirements.
DEFINITIONS
T4F Certified – US EPA testing and certification process has been completed by the engine manufacturer to meet strict limits on exhaust particulates and NOx. Engine and exhaust system components are serialized and mated to ensure installation compliance. The engine data tag is labeled as Tier 4 Final certified. Exhaust system operating parameters are determined by the certification. Any deviation or component failure will result in an engine shutdown.
T4F Compliant – US EPA Tier 4 Final certification has not been completed. Engine data tag will show an EPA Tier 2 or Tier 3 certification based on engine HP size. A Tier 4 Final exhaust system is retrofitted to these engines designed to meet Tier 4 Final emission levels. Exhaust system operation is determined by the engine manufacturer, deviations or component failures in the exhaust system will result in an alarm and notification, not an engine shutdown.
THE CHALLENGE: Navigating New Air District Regulations
Recently, one of our customers approached us with a requirement for two backup generators in a critical application, both needing to meet Tier 4 Final emissions standards but also requiring high uptime availability.
THE SOLUTION
Recognizing the unique needs for our customer, Collicutt developed a tailored approach to address these regulatory challenges. We combined cutting-edge technology with customization to deliver a power generation package that not only meets Tier 4 Final standards and high operational reliability but also exceeds customer expectations.
Collicutt provided a custom Tier 4 Final Compliant package with two mtu generators at 1500kW and 1000KW, a third party T4F after treatment system, an oversized fuel tank and a custom enclosure, complete with two sets of stairs, to meet site-specific space requirements. The supplied systems drastically reduced particulate matter (PM), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted from diesel engines and also comply with UL2200 standards for stationary generators in Canada and the US.
THE ADVANTAGE: Compliant vs Certified Packages
While both T4F Compliant and Certified systems meet the same emissions limits set by EPA Tier 4 Final standards, a compliant package has multiple advantages.
Uninterrupted Power Supply: Unlike certified systems that may shut down the engine compliant systems maintain power to critical loads while providing alarms for potential issues
No Power Derating: Compliant systems do not induce engine power derates when exhaust system problems are detected.
Flexible DEF Management: Engines continue to operate even with low or poor-quality Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), ensuring power availability in critical situations.
Resilience to Exhaust System Issues: High backpressure or temperatures in the exhaust system do not trigger shutdowns.
Continuous Operation: The engine keeps running even if emissions temporarily fall out of the normal range or if exhaust emission sensors malfunction.
Alarm: Tier 4 Final compliant exhaust system does provide an alarm to the operator notifying them of any critical event, however, it keeps powering the critical loads.
If the exhaust system does go into an alarm condition and the unit runs out of emissions compliance the operator must report the incident along with a repair plan to the local authorities that issued the permit to operate.
Collicutt is available to support our customers with long-term maintenance designed to avoid these alarm conditions. In the unlikely event an alarm is detected we are available 24/7 to assist in troubleshooting and repair to keep your critical systems in operation.
THE RESULT
Overall, the project successfully provided our customer with engines that significantly reduce harmful emissions, offering both environmental and potential business benefits.
The final emission performance of the supplied engines are as follows:
NOx is reduced to 0.5 g/HP-h (a 90.6% reduction), particulate matter (PM) is reduced to 0.02 g/HP-h (a 60% reduction), and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) are reduced to 0.14 g/HP-h (a 76.6% reduction).
These emission reductions meet current emissions regulations while providing a highly reliable system not prone to emissions related equipment shutdowns as commonly seen in some T4 Certified systems.
TAKE ACTION
By choosing Collicutt’s compliant Tier 4 Final solutions, businesses can ensure they meet regulatory requirements without compromising on reliability or performance.
Call or email us at 888.682.6888 or info@collicutt.com for more information.
Understanding the Impact of Wildfires on California Infrastructure
California’s wildfire season has proven to be increasingly destructive, with fires causing widespread damage to infrastructure. The impact is felt across various sectors including transportation, utilities, and communications. Roads can be closed, power lines can be downed, and communication networks can be disrupted, making it difficult for emergency services to respond effectively.
Businesses in particular face significant challenges. Hospitals may struggle to provide critical care without power, data centers risk losing valuable information, and old age homes could face life-threatening situations for residents. Childcare centers, business centers, and construction sites also face operational disruptions. Therefore, understanding the full scope of wildfire impacts on infrastructure is crucial for effective preparedness.
Essential Wildfire Preparedness Equipment for Businesses
To mitigate the risks associated with wildfires, businesses must equip themselves with essential preparedness tools. Fire pumps and generators are at the top of this list. Fire pumps help in controlling small fires and preventing them from spreading, giving firefighters a better chance to contain the blaze.
Generators are equally important, ensuring that critical systems (including fire pumps) remain operational during power outages. This is particularly vital for businesses where any disruption in power can have dire consequences. Additionally, businesses should consider investing in smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency lighting to enhance overall safety.
Strategies for Effective Generator and Fire Pump Maintenance
Regular maintenance of generators and fire pumps is essential to ensure they function correctly when needed. Start by scheduling routine inspections and servicing according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. This includes checking fuel levels, testing battery backups, and inspecting all electrical connections.
For fire pumps, ensure that all components such as hoses, nozzles, and valves are in good working condition. Running periodic drills can also help in identifying any potential issues before they become critical. Proper maintenance not only extends the lifespan of the equipment but also provides peace of mind knowing that your preparedness measures are reliable.
Rental Generator Options: Flexibility in Emergency Preparedness
For businesses that do not own generators, rental options provide a flexible and cost-effective solution. Renting allows businesses to scale their power needs based on the severity of the emergency without incurring the high costs of purchasing and maintaining equipment.
Rental generators come in various sizes and capacities, making it easy to find one that suits your specific requirements. Collicutt Energy can also help with your rental needs with individual generators ranging from 20kW to 2MW with paralleling capabilities up to 10MW.
Creating a Comprehensive Wildfire Preparedness Plan for Your Business
A comprehensive wildfire preparedness plan is essential for safeguarding your business. Start by conducting a risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities. Develop an emergency response plan that includes evacuation routes, communication protocols, and roles and responsibilities for all staff members.
Incorporate regular training sessions and drills to ensure everyone is familiar with the procedures. Stock up on essential supplies such as first-aid kits, water, and non-perishable food items. Establish partnerships with local emergency services and other businesses to create a support network. Seriously consider remote monitoring technology for your backup generators as well. This will provide real-time data to identify potential maintenance issues. By taking these steps, you can significantly enhance your business’s resilience against wildfires. View power outage maps here.
Here are a few more resources on California wildfires:
Take a moment and imagine that a major power outage has just hit your city. While your competitors scramble around in the dark, your business remains brightly lit and fully operational. Why? Because you had the foresight of installing a remote monitoring package on your backup generators which allowed you to identify potential maintenance issues and get them addressed prior to any grid power outage.
This isn’t just a nice-to-have feature . . . it’s a critical component in safeguarding your business amidst the increasingly unpredictable US electrical grid!
The Silent Menace: Unpredictable Power Failures
Did you know that estimates pin business losses due to power outages in the US at over $30 billion annually? Backup generators may be the first line of defense, but without proper monitoring, they’re kind of like the old tractor stored in the back of a barn . . . it’s simply not going to start when it is needed most!
Remote monitoring solutions take the uncertainty away by providing real-time data and empowering proactive decision-making.
Let’s delve into why this technology isn’t just an option, but a necessity.
Predictive Maintenance: A Crystal Ball for Your Generators
It’s not the unknown we should fear . . . It is being unprepared for the unknown that should be feared.
Traditional generator maintenance operates on a set schedule . . . but what if an impending failure arises between scheduled maintenance? Remote monitoring systems, with properly tuned critical alerts and data trends, function like a crystal ball. They can predict potential issues allowing you to act before the potential issue turns into a costly disaster. For instance, by monitoring; battery voltage, coolant temperature, and fuel level, you can mitigate the risk from three of the top six reasons a generator fails to start.
Cost Efficiency: More Than Just a Penny Saved
The operational cost of your business being down due to a power outage can be enormous. Add to this the lost revenue opportunity because you cannot make or sell anything! For these two reasons alone, it just makes sense to spend a few dollars on a remote monitoring system.
In addition to this, when considering the cost of remote monitoring system, it is important to take into account the cost of an emergency callout during a power outage. This callout can easily be upwards of $1000 to $2000 dollars depending on the generator issue. However, a remote monitoring system allows you to identify many of these issues before they become emergencies so they can be handled as regular maintenance items. Avoiding one emergency callout per year can easily pay for the cost of a remote monitoring system.
So it’s not just about pinching pennies. Resources must be allocated strategically to where they matter most!
Take Action
The choice to implement remote monitoring for your generator moves you and your facility from uncertainty towards assurance and from reactivity to proactivity.
Remote monitoring is not just an upgrade . . . it’s an essential pivot towards operational excellence!
Don’t wait for the next power outage to reveal your back up power generator’s vulnerabilities. Assess your backup power setup and consider how remote monitoring can transform your approach. It’s time to move from playing catch-up to leading the way in operational efficiency and reliability.
For more insights on this transformative approach, contact Collicutt Energy at 888.682.6888. We have a team of experts that would be happy to work with you to evaluate your project and determine the best fit solution for you.
Remember, in the world of backup power, being proactive isn’t just a strategy; it’s a survival imperative.
On January 13th, I was sitting with my extended family watching the Hockey game. We celebrated every shot on goal for our team, and shrieked every time the other team almost scored. However, close to the end of the game the feed cut out and all of our phones in horrible harmony issued this obnoxious blaring noise: an Alberta Emergency Alert had been issued, because of a high risk of rotating blackouts.
Why did this alarm concern me?
This was deeply concerning! It was at least -30C and our house’s furnace was already struggling to keep up; we had an electric space heater in the living room helping keep that specific room warm for everyone.
Without power, we’d immediately lose our house lighting, the power to the space heater and potentially lose the power to our furnace ignition system. This would leave all 10 of us without any form of energy to stay warm.
What caused this grid alert?
Problem 1: High Grid Demand – As you can see in image 2, There was a significant increase in power consumption within the province: The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) reported an Alberta Interconnected Load (AIL) of 11,802 MW, up from ∼10,500 MW earlier that day. The primary reason for the high load was the extremely low temperatures we were experiencing in the province.
Image 2: Weekly Energy Summary posted on January 15th. Source (Linkedin). Graph shows how on January 13th, there was a marked uptick in power consumption around 6pm. At this time, power prices in the province shot up to the AESO price limit of $999/MWh, 10 times the 30-day rolling average at the time of $100/MWh.
Problem 2: Loss of Generation in the Province – The larger issue that led to the emergency alert was the lack of available power generation in the province. As shown in Image 3, there was a significant lack of both wind and solar at the time of alert.
Image 3: Alberta electricity production by type (Source: Alberta Energy). Generation by natural gas made up 81.7% of power generation at the time of the emergency alert. At the time of the alert, Solar and wind provided 100MW of the 6,131MW of installed power generation as reported on AESO Supply page.
How Collicutt Energy Helped Support Grid Reliability
At Collicutt Energy Services, our primary business is ensuring reliable power to your facility; whether this is through onsite natural gas generation or backup standby diesel power.
During this grid emergency event, many of our clients responded to an AESO directive to reduce their consumption. This is referred to as ‘Demand Response’. Over the last year, we have been helping clients prepare for events like this by getting their facility set up with backup generation that could, at a moment’s notice, provide relief to the grid.
Over the weekend of January 12-14th, our customers helped provide seven hours of grid relief; two and a half of those hours occurring on January 13th.
FAQ
Why did our clients participate in Demand Response?
A natural question many people would ask is “Why would a large industrial customer participate in Demand Response? especially if it could impact the production of that company?”
Great question – other than being a great corporate citizen, they were compensated for it.
In 2022, the average customer who participated in Demand Response (Also formally referred to as Operating Reserve: Supplemental Reserves) earned between $200-250,000 for every Megawatt they were able to curtail. So for a facility that consistently consumed 2MW and participated in Demand Response, they could earn as much as $500,000 for reducing load for approximately 20-30 hrs of the year.
Can your facility participate in Demand Response?
With further deployment of renewables in Alberta and greater demand for electricity in the province, we are expecting more events like the grid emergency event of January 13th to happen in the future.
Can I enroll my facility in Demand Response?
Here are the eligibility criteria:
Are you consistently consuming 400kW or greater between 7 am and 11 pm?
Can you reduce your power consumption within a 10 minute period?
If your answer to the above questions is yes, then your facility is eligible. Reach out to us.
About the Author
Matthew Swinamer is a mechanical engineer with APEGA. In Matthew’s role as Technical Sales Engineer, he works to help commercial and industrial clients understand the power of onsite generation to reduce utility costs and increase sustainability of their energy consumption.
Reliable electricity is the lifeblood of our entire society! Without electricity, we would not be able to grow, transport, or store food; heat or cool our homes; transact business; secure our country, and the list goes on! However, the stability of the US electrical grid has become a growing concern. This has been highlighted by an increasing frequency of power outages caused by weather events, accidents, and natural disasters. These events highlight the urgent need for businesses to consider backup power generation as a crucial investment.
Fragility of the Electrical Grid
According to a recent paper written by Robert Bryce1, the US electric grid has a generation capacity of 1.25TW and is interconnected across the continent by:
6.1 million miles of wire, poles and transformers
12,538 utility scale power plants
9 federal power agencies
2,003 public utilities
856 coops
315 power marketers
178 investor owned utilities
This ad hoc compilation of disparate parts and systems results in an extremely complex and potentially unstable system! The vulnerability challenges that the grid is facing can be categorized into a few main areas:
Complex interconnections – All of the different organizations involved in the regulation, power generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power create a myriad of single points of failure. These single points of failure may be minor but could cause a cascade of additional failures impacting a large geographical area.
Aging infrastructure – Much of the US power grid is outdated and in need of modernization. These aging components add to the risk and complexity identified in point (1) above.
Extreme weather – Weather events can cause outages due to loss of sub stations or powerplants, downed powerlines, etc.. Add to this grids that don’t have enough gas, hydro, or nuclear power generation to cover their demand when that demand is high and wind turbines or solar are not producing.
Overload – The pace of urbanization has outstripped the pace of new power generation capacity. This results in increased grid overload and eventually brownouts or blackouts.
Cybersecurity – Technology has advanced over the years and the threat of cyber attacks on our power grids is significant2, 4, 5. Although, there are many efforts underway to address this (reference this paper published in September 2021 “Cybersecurity in Power Grids”3) we still have a lot of work to do in this area.
Options for Backup Power Solutions for Your Business
The fragility of the US electrical grid system that is outlined above requires businesses to invest in backup power solutions that will keep them operational while the grid power is unavailable.
Every business is unique and the backup power solution for each business needs to be designed accordingly. Fortunately, there are many options and combinations of products available, including:
Diesel – A standby power generator that is only stated and run during a power outage. When using HVO fuel, these sorts of systems have reduced emissions significantly. See What is HVO and Why Should You Care for more details.
Battery – As battery technology is advancing, using batteries as part of your backup power is something that should be considered. They are particularly effective when you have a microgrid system that may need a method of storing extra power that cannot be used at the time it is generated.
Natural Gas or Biogas – Natural gas power generation is much cleaner than diesel6 so this may be a great option for your business. If you have a source of biogas then you may be able to use this directly or blend7 it with natural gas to create low cost fuel source to generate electricity.
CHP, Combined Heat and Power8 – CHP systems are typically a natural gas or biogas fueled generator that also capture the heat produced by the generator and use this energy to improve the overall efficiency of the system to greater than 90%. Colleges, schools, commercial buildings, hospitals, and casinos are some examples of where CHPs can be used effectively.
Microgrid9 – This is a localized group of electricity sources and loads that can operate independently of the traditional centralized power grid. A typical system would include power generation from solar, wind, batteries, and a natural gas or diesel power generator.
EaaS, Energy as a Service – This is typically supplied as part of a CHP or microgrid power system and consists of a natural gas or biogas fueled generator that is operated and maintained by a third party rather than by the business. See A Sustainable Solution for Uninterrupted Power for more details and advantages of an EaaS solution.
Take Action Today
Businesses cannot afford to overlook the fragility of the U.S. electrical grid. Power outages can have severe consequences for revenue, reputation, and operations. Investing in backup power generation solutions is not just a smart move, it’s a necessity to ensure business continuity, reliability, and peace of mind in the face of an unpredictable electrical grid.
Don’t wait until the next power outage . . . contact Collicutt now tollfree at 1.888.682.6888 and let us guide you to a solution that safeguards your business’s future.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of fuel blending and provide insights from experts at Collicutt Energy Services on implementing this process in CHP systems. Fuel blending is a highly effective method for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, maintaining high generator output, and increasing overall efficiency in combined heat and power (CHP) generators.
How Fuel Blending Reduces GHG Emissions
Fuel blending offers a significant benefit: the reduction of GHG emissions.
Biogas, derived from organic matter decomposition, is a renewable energy source that is considered carbon neutral. When biogas is blended with natural gas, a fossil fuel, the overall carbon footprint of the fuel decreases. This is especially advantageous for organizations aiming to reduce their environmental impact and achieve sustainability goals.
Increasing Efficiency with Fuel Blending
In addition to emission reduction, fuel blending enhances the efficiency of CHP systems. Blending biogas with natural gas increases the energy content of the fuel, enabling more energy production per unit of fuel. This results in cost savings for organizations operating CHP systems, as they require less fuel to generate the same amount of energy.
Implementation Process:
To implement fuel blending in a CHP system, follow these key steps:
Step 1: Assess Biogas Availability
Identify biogas sources like landfills, wastewater treatment plants, or agricultural operations. Ensure the biogas meets quality requirements, free from contaminants that could damage CHP equipment.
Step 2: Install Necessary Equipment
Install a gas mixing unit and a gas meter to blend and measure the flow of biogas and natural gas. Additional controls and safety devices may be needed to ensure safe and efficient operation when using blended fuel.
Step 3: Collaborate with Experienced Professionals
Seek guidance from experienced professionals, like Collicutt Energy Services, who offer services such as feasibility assessment, equipment design and installation, and ongoing maintenance and support.
Conclusion
Fuel blending using natural gas and biogas is a valuable approach to reduce GHG emissions and enhance CHP system efficiency. By following the right process and collaborating with experts, such as Collicutt Energy Services, organizations can implement fuel blending with confidence, promoting environmental sustainability.
If you have a source of biogas and are interested in reducing your GHG emissions by using the biogas more effectively, give us a call at 888.682.6888
As the world seeks to transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the choice of fuel plays a crucial role in achieving these goals. Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional diesel fuel. According to Neste Oil (1) it is “the highest quality diesel in the world.”
How is it Made?
HVO is created from a feedstock of various vegetable oils and animal fats. This feedstock is treated to remove impurities (moisture, particles, etc.). It is then mixed with hydrogen gas and fed through a hydrotreating reactor which creates the HVO fuel. It goes through some additional post-reactor purification steps to remove any remaining impurities like sulfur and nitrogen compounds. For more details you can refer to the Beginners Guide to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil article here (4).
Why is it Important?
HVO is a “drop-in” ready fuel replacement for many diesel engines. This means that HVO can replace diesel fuel in a diesel engine without any modifications or adjustments to the diesel engine. All of mtu’s diesel engines used in their power generation equipment are HVO ready.
Advantages of HVO
It is a more stable fuel than diesel – Diesel fuel that is stored in a tank for any length of time (e.g., standby power generation) requires periodic fuel scrubbing to remove algae that grows in the fuel. HVO is not susceptible to this issue and remains stable over long periods of time.
Mixes seamlessly with diesel – HVO can be added to existing diesel so existing tanks do not have to be drained prior to topping up with HVO.
Lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – One of the significant advantages of HVO over diesel is its potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. HVO fuel has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to conventional diesel. According to studies (2), HVO can achieve up to 90% CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions reduction compared to diesel.
Improved air quality – Compared to diesel, HVO offers improved air quality due to its cleaner combustion properties. HVO fuel reduces emissions of harmful pollutants such as particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx). Dependent on load profiles, a 50% to 80% reduction in particulate matter has been seen.
Improved performance – Switching from diesel to HVO can result in improved engine performance and decreased fuel consumption. In addition to this, when used with mtu diesel engines there is no engine derate (3).
Take Action
If you need more convincing before you make this change, Rio Tinto has recently moved to HVO fuel for their large vehicles in their California open pit boron mine (6). Sinead Kaufman, Chief Executive Rio Tinto Minerals said: “We are proud that our U.S. Borax operations have become the first open pit mine to operate a fleet running entirely on renewable diesel. This is an excellent example of what happens when internal and external partners collaborate toward a carbon reduction goal. Support from the state of California has also been incredibly important, as without their vision, this would not have been possible.”
Take action now for your standby diesel generators and get improved performance, decreased fuel consumption, less emissions, and longer fuel life! Contact Collicutt today and we will work with you to evaluate your generator and arrange for HVO fuel delivery.
Almost everyone has heard of methane. It is one of the most sought after and utilized hydrocarbons on the planet. Its simple molecular structure, CH4, means that, when used responsibly, it can provide more power with less pollutants than many other fuels including coal, gasoline, and diesel.
Natural Gas (another name for Methane) is used in most homes for heating and is the primary energy source for power generation in many US States(1). Since 2005, the transition in many states from coal to Natural Gas power generation has seen a reduction in CO2 emissions by 42%.
With that being said, many states have come out against the use of Natural Gas, going as far as banning future Natural gas hookups, forcing builders to install electric boilers in lieu.
When we consider the vast amount of energy consumed from methane as a fuel, it is hard to imagine where an alternative source of energy will come from in a relatively short time frame. From this perspective, it is clear that the use of Methane is not going away any time soon; however, we need to be intentional about finding ways of using the fuel source in the most efficient and responsible manner.
Before we go any further, let’s understand a little more about methane: where it comes from, how it stacks up against other energy producing solutions, and how it can be put to use in an environmentally responsible way.
Where Does Methane Come From?
There are 5 main ways that methane is generated:
Methane Generation Type
Description
Typical Example
Biogenic Methane
This is methane produced by biological processes, primarily by methanogenic archaea.
Biogenic methane is the largest source of methane emissions globally.
Typically found in environments such as wetlands, marshes, rice paddies, and the digestive systems of animals.
Thermogenic Methane
This type of methane is formed by the thermal breakdown of organic matter under high temperature and pressure conditions.
Thermogenic methane is the primary component of natural gas.
Typically found in fossil fuel deposits such as coal, oil, and natural gas.
Abiotic Methane
Methane can also be formed through non-biological processes. Abiotic methane is generated through chemical reactions, such as the interaction of water and rocks containing hydrocarbons under high temperatures and pressures. This process is known as abiogenic methane formation.
Methane can be released during volcanic eruptions as a result of the heating and degassing of organic matter, such as buried plant material, or the decomposition of organic compounds in magma or volcanic gases
Methanogenesis from CO2 and H2
Some micro-organisms known as methanogens are capable of producing methane by using carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen (H2) as substrates.
This process occurs in environments with low oxygen levels, such as peatlands, sediments, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals.
Anthropogenic Methane*
Human activities contribute to methane emissions through various processes.
Examples include the production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as the management of agricultural waste and landfills.
*Other than anthropogenic methane, all forms of methane production are naturally occurring.
When released into the environment, these naturally occurring forms of methane are considered a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) and can be 23 times more impactful toward climate change than Carbon Dioxide.
Before we explore the potential uses of methane, we need to define greenhouse gases (GHG) and why they need to be minimized.
What Are Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Pollutants?
A greenhouse gas pollutant is a gas that exists in the atmosphere that traps heat from the sun within the atmosphere and potentially contributes to the warming of our planet. Notable GHG pollutants include; carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
The current theories around the warming of our planet show that the temperature of the atmosphere increases as the concentration of GHGs in the atmosphere increases.
Obviously, this is something that we want to avoid so we need to do all we can to reduce or eliminate as many man-made GHG emissions as is reasonably possible.
If the first step in this process is to understand what gases are GHG pollutants (which we identified above), the second step is to establish a comparison standard or a common language so we all understand what is being measured and its potential impact.
One of the current comparison standards for GHG pollutants is to convert them to kilograms of CO2 equivalent per 1000 BTUs of energy produced (e.g., kg CO2e/1000BTU). This measurement tells us the equivalent amount of CO2 created by generating 1000BTUs of energy using the fuel in question.
The chart below normalizes the GHG potential impact of various energy sources against the CO2e standard:
(See these notes for details on Solar (2) and Wind Turbine (3) numbers shown in the chart above).
Although it is not surprising to see that diesel, gas, vented or flared methane have higher GHG emissions than solar or wind, it may be surprising to some to see that methane fueled reciprocating engines have significantly less GHG emissions. In fact, methane fueled reciprocating engines are similar in emissions to solar PV and are less than a 1MW lithium-ion battery.
This is because solar, wind, and battery storage systems require large amounts of material and energy in their manufacturing and installation processes. In addition to this, we must consider that most microgrids require a battery system to store electricity. This means that a 1MW solar installation must include the battery and solar GHG emissions. So, for this example, the total GHG emissions would be 17+11.7 or 28.7 kg CO2e/1000 BTU which is more than double a Methane fueled reciprocating engine.
The Importance of Methane Capture
While methane emissions are a contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, these emissions can be significantly reduced by capturing and utilizing methane in a responsible manner. The “low-hanging” fruit for methane capture would be things like:
Eliminating methane venting and flaring from every oil and gas facility worldwide, onshore and offshore. North American European producers generally do a good job in this area so focusing on assisting other world areas with technology support and infrastructure upgrades would provide the biggest return on investment.
Implement biogas digesters and capture systems at all wastewater treatment facilities
Implement biogas digesters and capture systems for agricultural and livestock waste
Implement recovery of methane gas from all landfill sites
Capturing methane with techniques like this would go a long way to reducing methane emissions. The next step in this process is to determine how to use the methane to benefit humanity while minimizing the downside to our environment.
Reciprocating Engines
Reciprocating engines are commonly used in a variety of applications, including power generation, transportation, and industrial processes. These engines can run on a variety of fuels, including methane, propane, gasoline, and diesel.
When used with methane, reciprocating engines can provide significant environmental and economic benefits. Methane is a cleaner-burning fuel than propane, gasoline or diesel and when used in a reciprocating engine, results in lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality (see list of GHG gases emitting power sources above).
These engines can produce electricity when they are coupled with an alternator and, if you add a heat recovery system to it, you can build a system that is close to 93% efficient (e.g., only loses 7% of the energy burned) while reducing emissions by over 300% compared to vented methane (e.g., allowing methane for wastewater plants to vent directly to the atmosphere).
The Future of Methane Fuel in Reciprocating Engines
While methane emissions are a contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, they can be significantly reduced through responsible management practices and, at the same time, used to generate cost-effective and reliable electrical power.
Strong regulations and policies are necessary to ensure that methane is managed responsibly, and advancements in technology are playing an important role in methane detection and measurement. As the world continues to transition to a low-carbon economy, the responsible management of methane emissions will be an important part of the solution to address global climate change.
Summary
In conclusion, using natural gas in reciprocating engines can provide significant environmental and economic benefits, but it requires responsible management practices, including methane capture. Methane capture allows methane emissions to be reduced and utilized as a fuel source, resulting in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Advancements in technology are playing an important role in methane detection and measurement, and as the world continues to transition to a low-carbon economy, the responsible management of methane.
If you have any questions around this article or if you have a methane source that you would like to use to create electricity, give us a call at Collicutt at 888.682.6888.
