Electricity and Control June 2025

Renewable energy + industrial sustainability: Products + services

Generators offer a bridge in the new energy mix

An e•icient energy source Generators are o•en criticised for air and noise pollution. However, Kotze points out that modern generators adhere to strict e”iciency standards that minimise fuel consumption and emissions. Diesel engines, for instance, have undergone significant improvements, incorporating technologies like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR), Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR), and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). These innovations substantially lower the amount of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that is released into the air. Modern generators meet strict environmental standards like Euro 6 for lowering harmful emissions, EPA Tier 4 emissions requirements for non-road diesel engines, and the Stage V emission standard for non-road mobile machinery. As an OEM in this field, WEG has also invested in noise reduction technologies to address the common concern about generators being noisy in operation. “Noise is one of the biggest problems with generator sets, and WEG is investing significantly in reducing generator noise levels. For example, we use innovations such as acoustic louvres that keep noise levels under 65 A-weighted decibels,” says Kotze. Bridging the energy gap The use of generators in diverse applications reflects their versatility. From small portable units to integrated grid scale systems, generators function as crucial backup power for critical infrastructure. They provide reliable power for industrial sites, mining, and manufacturing. They support modern digital infrastructures, such as telecommunications and data centres. They also play a crucial role in emergency response operations and transportation hubs, ensuring continuity during crises. New energy mixes integrate various energy sources. Renewable energy o”ers abundant and a”ordable power, and reliable sources capable of rapid and consistent output complement them. In this respect modern generators are key in the new energy mix. Reference [1] https://www.iea.org/reports/electricity-2024/executive-summary

Generators are reliable electricity workhorses providing power when and where it is needed. And with e”iciency improvements, noise reductions, and flexible design options, they are becoming valuable additions in the modern energy mix. Global electricity demand is surging. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA) [1] , the world’s need for electricity grew by 2.2% in 2023, and this growth is expected to continue at an average rate of 3.4% annually through 2026. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are rapidly gaining ground as the world transitions to cleaner energy, but most renewable sources are inherently intermittent, dependent on weather conditions and vulnerable to fluctuations. Energy storage systems are not universally applicable, especially for demanding industrial applications such as ‘so•-starting’ heavy machinery. And unforeseen power outages and critical situations demand immediate reliable energy. A sustainable energy mix requires renewable and instant energy sources. Generators are o•en overlooked, but they can play a core role in ensuring the stability and reliability of the evolving energy mix, Louis Kotze, Executive of WEG Africa’s Generator Sets Division, says, “Modern generator technology has taken big steps forward from the noisy machines we typically think of. A combination of higher e”iciency standards and lower noise is making generators a valuable part of supporting renewables in high-demand energy applications.” Reliable power for green systems Sectors such as heavy industries, mining, agriculture, manufacturing, data centres, and commercial businesses require consistent, reliable power to maintain productivity and prevent costly disruptions. Although solar and wind energy systems can carry some or most of those requirements, their intermittent nature creates gaps in energy supply. Generators serve as a bridge between abundant renewable energy and the practical demands of a 24/7 world. Serving as on-demand power sources, modular and responsive generators provide the necessary stability, kicking in when renewables output falters. “Although industries can store power in backup systems, these have limitations,” Kotze says. “Generators close those gaps with quick and high-quality electricity. They provide emergency and base-level power when other systems cannot. With the right site design and maintenance, generator systems are e”icient and cost-e”ective.” Louis Kotze, Executive, Generator Sets Division at WEG Africa.

For more information visit: www.weg.net

With e•iciency improvements and noise reducing technologies, modern generators provide power on demand.

18 Electricity + Control JUNE 2025