Naturgy Natural Gas Cogeneration: Savings and Efficiency for Industries

As energy demand surges in Mexico, finding resource-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions has become crucial for the manufacturing industry. Traditional power generation methods are struggling to meet these growing energy needs efficiently and sustainably. In response, Naturgy, a global leader in the energy sector with over 180 years of experience, offers innovative alternatives, including natural gas cogeneration, to provide cost-effective and environmentally responsible energy solutions for the manufacturing sector.

Cogeneration Systems vs. Conventional Power Generation

Cogeneration is a process that allows for the simultaneous production of electricity and usable thermal energy from a single fuel source, such as natural gas. Unlike conventional power generation systems, which only produce electricity, cogeneration systems utilize the waste heat that would otherwise be lost to generate useful thermal energy. This thermal energy can be used in various applications, such as building heating, industrial processes, or hot water production. The process employs different technologies, including reciprocating internal combustion engines, steam turbines, and gas turbines.

For example, a typical thermoelectric plant in conventional generation might have an efficiency of only 35% to 40% in converting fuel energy into electricity, with the remaining energy lost as heat through exhaust gases and cooling towers. This inefficiency not only represents an economic loss for industries but also has a significant environmental impact. On the other hand, cogeneration can achieve energy efficiencies of between 80% and 88%, making better use of fuel at various stages of the process. This increase in efficiency translates into less fuel needed to produce the same amount of usable energy, thereby reducing the environmental impact by cutting greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter, while also reducing the need for cooling water.

Various cogeneration technologies are available today, each offering specific advantages depending on industrial applications and needs, ranging from reciprocating internal combustion engines to steam and gas turbines. Reciprocating engines use fuel to drive pistons that generate electricity and heat more efficiently, making them suitable for small to medium-sized installations due to their operational flexibility and quick start-up capabilities. Meanwhile, gas and steam turbines are commonly found in combined-cycle power plants, representing one of the most efficient forms of electricity generation. These systems use waste heat from a thermal cycle, typically from a gas turbine, to generate steam and produce additional energy through a steam turbine, maximizing fuel use and minimizing energy losses.

Natural Gas Cogeneration: The Efficient Solution for Industries

As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy and increases the use of renewable energy sources, natural gas stands out as a key fuel for this energy transition due to its physical and chemical properties, which allow it to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 55% per unit of energy produced compared to traditional fuels. In this context, cogeneration, which can achieve efficiencies of up to 88%, is considered a fundamental alternative in energy-saving programs for reshaping the energy landscape.

Integrating natural gas in cogeneration systems ensures a continuous and reliable supply of a primary fuel, providing a stable and high-quality source for generating electricity and thermal energy in industries. This is especially beneficial in critical applications where high energy demand and significant cost reduction are sought. This is made possible not only by the competitive price of natural gas but also by integrating a single electric-thermal generation system, which improves internal process energy efficiency, offering economic profitability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet necessary environmental goals.

A Case of Success

One successful example of natural gas cogeneration with Naturgy is a company located in the Bajío region that has been processing fruits and vegetables for export for over 30 years, consuming significant amounts of electrical energy for refrigeration and industrial hot water (ACI). To reduce its energy costs, a 500 kWh cogeneration system using natural gas as the primary energy source was designed, built, and installed, utilizing combustion gases to generate steam. This solution increased electric-thermal energy generation by 40% and reduced energy costs by 25%. The switch from LP gas to natural gas resulted in an 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 20-ton annual decrease in CO2 for the comprehensive project.

More Competitiveness and Productivity with Naturgy

Naturgy has a specialized area in Energy Efficiency Solutions, offering value-added services for turnkey project development. This area covers comprehensive process evaluation, technical and energy analysis, engineering development, permits and procedures, procurement of equipment and materials, installation of civil, electrical, and mechanical works, as well as training, commissioning, and preventive/predictive maintenance of technically and economically viable projects.

With a strong presence in over 50 industrial parks in northern and Bajío regions of Mexico, Naturgy positions itself as the ideal partner for manufacturing and nearshoring, ensuring industries access to high-quality energy solutions to enhance their productivity and competitiveness.

For more information, contact contratacionggcc@naturgy.com or visit naturgy.com.mx

Naturgy México S.A. de C.V.

Av. Marina Nacional No. 60, Piso 6, Colonia Tacuba, Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, CDMX.

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