The Diesel Engine (any engine) – it’s not really that bad
The mainstay of localised power generation worldwide is the diesel engine, unmatched for flexibility, reliability, durability and efficiency. Unfortunately it’s being demonised because of its perceived emissions characteristics, in the output of particulate matter (PM) and NOx as air pollutants.
However, this is not the fault of the diesel engine, but the diesel fuel it’s traditionally had to use – middle distillate oil from crude petroleum, the poor relation after gasoline and kerosene. Changing the fuel quality can make it possible to reduce PM and NOx outputs.
With their simple and consistent fuel chemistry, synthetic biofuels can deliver an ultra-clean combustion performance with essentially zero PM and minimal NOx emissions in diesel engine combustion. Ethanol is just one example of these clean fuel options, and well proven in engines adapted to its use, with the technology demonstrated over 30 years ago. Put this alongside the potentially zero or better net carbon output, and with dependable power on tap, it makes a lot of sense as an energy supply vector... and not just in electricity generation.