For industrial facilities, power plants, data centres and combined heat and power projects, choosing the right gas generator can have a significant impact on operating costs, reliability and the long-term performance of a power generation project.
Two of the best-known names within the large-scale gas generator market are Caterpillar (CAT) and Jenbacher.
Both manufacturers produce gas engines designed for demanding power generation applications, with generator sets available across the megawatt power range. For companies considering a new or used gas generator, however, there are several factors that should be assessed before selecting a particular machine.
Why Natural Gas Generators?
Natural gas generator sets are widely used where businesses require reliable on-site electricity generation.
Unlike a generator installed purely for emergency standby purposes, large industrial gas generators can be configured for continuous or baseload operation. They can also form part of a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installation, where heat produced by the engine is recovered and used elsewhere within a facility.
Typical applications include:
- Industrial manufacturing plants
- Combined Heat and Power (CHP) installations
- Independent power generation
- Utility and distributed generation projects
- Data centres
- Food and beverage production facilities
- Chemical and pharmaceutical plants
- Grid support and peak-shaving projects
- Commercial and industrial energy centres
For projects requiring several megawatts of generation capacity, multiple generator sets can also be installed in parallel to create a larger power plant.
Caterpillar Gas Generators
Caterpillar is recognised worldwide for heavy-duty engines and power generation equipment.
CAT gas generator sets are available for a broad range of industrial applications, including continuous power generation, CHP and distributed energy projects.
Large models such as the Caterpillar G3520H demonstrate the scale of power that modern gas generator installations can provide. A single G3520H can deliver approximately 2.5 MW of electrical output, meaning multiple units can form the basis of a substantial on-site generating plant.
When evaluating a CAT gas generator, buyers should consider more than simply the headline electrical output.
Important specifications include:
Electrical output (kW/MW)
The generator needs to match the expected electrical load while providing sufficient capacity for operating conditions and future requirements.
Voltage and frequency
Generator configuration must be compatible with the electrical infrastructure and destination market. For international projects, 50 Hz versus 60 Hz is particularly important.
Fuel specification
Natural gas quality, methane number, pressure and other fuel characteristics should be checked against the engine manufacturer's requirements.
Operating hours and service history
For used generators, operating hours and maintenance records can significantly influence the attractiveness of a particular machine.
Installation requirements
Cooling systems, exhaust arrangements, gas supply, transformers, switchgear, control systems and heat recovery equipment may all form part of the overall project.
Jenbacher Gas Generators
Jenbacher gas engines are another established option within industrial gas power generation and CHP applications.
Machines such as the Jenbacher J612 GS sit comfortably within the multi-megawatt generation market and can be suitable for industrial sites requiring continuous generation or CHP capability.
As with CAT equipment, the suitability of a Jenbacher generator depends on the complete project rather than output alone.
The buyer should consider the generator's operating history, electrical configuration, fuel requirements, maintenance condition and the availability of associated equipment.
For used Jenbacher generators in particular, understanding previous operating conditions can be extremely valuable. A properly maintained machine with documented operating history can present a very different proposition from equipment where little information is available.
CAT vs Jenbacher: Which Is Better?
There isn't a universal answer.
Both CAT and Jenbacher manufacture generators capable of providing reliable industrial-scale power. The better choice depends upon the individual project.
A buyer comparing the two may want to consider:
- Required electrical output
- Natural gas specification and availability
- Expected annual operating hours
- Continuous, prime or standby operation
- CHP requirements
- Electrical efficiency
- Heat recovery opportunities
- Service and parts availability in the destination country
- Voltage and frequency
- Existing site infrastructure
- Capital budget
- Delivery schedule
Availability can sometimes become an equally important consideration.
A project may be technically ready to proceed but face a lengthy procurement period for newly manufactured generating equipment. In these situations, a suitable generator already available on the market can provide an alternative worth investigating.
New, Unused and Used Gas Generators
The secondary equipment market covers much more than heavily used machinery.
Gas generators can become available because projects are cancelled, generating plants are upgraded, facilities close or equipment requirements change before commissioning.
Consequently, buyers may encounter everything from established machines with significant operating histories to unused generator sets with zero operating hours.
The condition therefore needs to be assessed individually rather than simply relying on whether equipment is described as new or used.
For example, SBS Ayrshire currently has two Caterpillar G3520H 2.5 MW natural gas generator sets manufactured in 2024 with zero operating hours available for sale.
With two machines available, the equipment represents up to 5 MW of installed generator capacity, subject to the final project configuration.
The units are configured for:
- 2,500 kW electrical output per generator
- Natural gas operation
- 11,000 V
- 50 Hz
- 2024 manufacture
- 0 operating hours
This type of equipment could be considered for applications including CHP, baseload generation, industrial power plants, data centres, independent power generation and other large-scale energy projects.
Don't Forget the Balance of Plant
Purchasing the generator itself is only one part of developing a successful power generation installation.
Depending upon the project, additional equipment may include:
- Gas treatment and pressure regulation systems
- Cooling equipment
- Exhaust systems
- Heat recovery equipment
- Transformers
- Switchgear
- Synchronisation equipment
- Control systems
- Pumps and auxiliary systems
- Boilers
- Steam turbines
For larger energy projects, looking at the complete plant rather than an individual generator can identify opportunities to reuse existing industrial equipment and potentially reduce both project costs and lead times.
Buying Industrial Generators Internationally
Large gas generator sets frequently move between countries.
An industrial generator originally purchased for one project may ultimately be installed thousands of miles away at another power generation facility.
This makes accurate technical information particularly important.
Before purchasing equipment internationally, buyers should confirm dimensions and weights, electrical configuration, transport requirements, documentation, dismantling requirements and the practical requirements for loading and shipping the equipment.
Working with an experienced industrial equipment supplier can simplify this process considerably.
Gas Generators Available from SBS Ayrshire
SBS Ayrshire supplies industrial process and power generation equipment to customers in the UK and internationally.
Our available equipment can include Caterpillar gas generators, Jenbacher gas generators, steam turbines and associated industrial equipment, with individual machines and complete plant equipment available depending on current stock.
We can also assist with the practical aspects surrounding industrial machinery projects, including dismantling, relocation, transport coordination, installation and project management.
If you are currently looking for a CAT gas generator, Jenbacher gas generator or multi-megawatt power generation equipment, contact SBS Ayrshire with your required output, voltage, frequency, fuel type and destination.
Our team can discuss currently available equipment and help identify machinery suitable for your project.