By Alex Marshall, Group Business Development and Marketing Director, Clarke Energy a Rehlko Company
As the global energy sector intensifies its focus on sustainability, gas engines are emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs). These pollutants such as methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons have a disproportionately large impact on global warming despite their relatively brief atmospheric lifespans. Reducing SLCPs is one of the most effective strategies for achieving near-term climate benefits, improving air quality, and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SLCP Challenge
SLCPs contribute significantly to climate change and public health issues. Methane, for example, is over 80 times more potent than COâ‚‚ over a 20-year period. Black carbon, a component of soot, not only accelerates ice melt but also causes respiratory illnesses. These pollutants are often emitted from oil and gas operations, flaring, inefficient combustion processes and increasingly, from unmanaged biogenic sources such as landfills and wastewater treatment plants.
Gas Engines: A Cleaner Combustion Solution
Modern gas engines, particularly those designed for high-efficiency and low-emission performance, offer a compelling alternative to traditional diesel and flaring systems. When deployed strategically, they can:
- Capture and utilize methane from oil and gas operations, converting it into energy rather than allowing it to escape into the atmosphere.
- Replace diesel generators with cleaner-burning natural gas engines, significantly reducing black carbon emissions.
- Support combined heat and power (CHP) systems, improving overall energy efficiency and reducing the carbon footprint of industrial facilities.
- Harness biogenic methane from landfills, agricultural waste, and wastewater treatment plants turning a potent pollutant into a renewable energy source.
Biogenic Methane: A Missed Opportunity Turned Asset
Landfills and other organic waste systems are among the largest sources of uncontrolled methane emissions globally. Gas engines can be integrated into landfill gas-to-energy (LFGTE) systems, capturing methane that would otherwise be vented or flared and converting it into electricity and heat. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates a revenue stream from waste.
For example, a 1 MW gas engine operating on landfill gas can reduce methane emissions equivalent to over 20,000 metric tons of COâ‚‚ annually while powering hundreds of homes.
Financial and Operational Incentives
For investors and operators, the adoption of gas engines aligns with both environmental and economic goals:
- Carbon credit opportunities: Methane capture and SLCP reduction projects are increasingly eligible for carbon credits, enhancing ROI.
- Regulatory compliance: Stricter emissions regulations are driving demand for cleaner technologies, and gas engines are well-positioned to meet these standards.
- Operational resilience: Gas engines offer reliable power generation, especially in remote or off-grid oil and gas sites, reducing dependence on flaring and diesel logistics.
Supporting the UN SDGs
Gas engine deployment directly supports several UN SDGs:
- Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Promotes access to cleaner and renewable energy sources.
- Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Encourages sustainable industrial practices.
- Goal 13 (Climate Action): Reduces greenhouse gas emissions and mitigates climate change.
- Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being): Improves air quality and reduces health risks from pollution.
- Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Enhances urban waste management and energy resilience.
Looking Ahead
As the energy transition accelerates, gas engines represent a pragmatic and impactful solution for reducing SLCPs both from fossil and biogenic sources. Engineers and investors have a unique opportunity to lead this transformation leveraging innovation, policy incentives, and market demand to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
