Natural gas generator sets

Natural gas generator sets (gen sets) are distributed power generation units that use reciprocating internal combustion engines to produce usable energy from gaseous fuels. Distributed generation has the advantage of going online more quickly than traditional large centralized power stations, reducing demand pressure on the electrical grid, and reducing inefficiencies that are common in centralized power generation, transmission, and distribution. As a source of emergency standby, prime, or continuous power, natural gas-fueled gen sets are poised for rapid growth, particularly in markets where inexpensive natural gas is widely available.

The number of specialized segments within the gen set market spanning power classes, applications, and end-user customers offers a rich ecosystem of opportunities for market participants. As a whole, the market has experienced steady growth, but a boom in unconventional gas resources and tightening regulations targeting stationary generator emissions point to accelerated growth in the next decade. Navigant Research forecasts that natural gas gen set installations will reach 13.2 giga watts per year by 2018 and produce nearly $45 billion in cumulative revenue between 2013 and 2018.

This Navigant Research report analyzes the global market potential for natural gas gen sets from less than 15 kW to 6 MW for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. The study includes in-depth assessments of global regions for capacity installations, an analysis of global gas resource development, and profiles of the key industry players engaged in this market. Regional market forecasts are provided through 2018 for annual installations and revenue, segmented by power class as well as for power generation and CHP applications.