October 26, 2007
Letter to the Editor: Diesel Generators Have Critical Role to Play
There are other perspectives that must be brought out about the use, importance and tradeoffs of diesel generators ["Environmentalists fume over diesel use," Connecticut Post, Oct. 11].
Connecticut public utility officials, mayors and others should be thanked for addressing these potentially catastrophic electrical power issues now — when there is not a blackout like a few years ago in the Northeast.
They are properly considering the public health risks to the loss of continuous electrical power and for critical infrastructure. Things like keeping drinking water flowing and removing wastewater through keeping backup pumps and generators running, maintaining fire hydrant pressures, not to mention supplying electrical power for essential refrigeration, air conditioning, elevators and critical telecommunications functions like 911 call centers. Diesel-powered generators are most often the technology of choice for most of these functions because they have the unique feature of being reliable and able to carry a full electrical load demand within 10 seconds of when grid power goes off, and they have their own contained fuel supply, not dependent on gas pipelines or other vulnerable infrastructure. And with cleaner diesel fuel and new emissions control technology, diesel generators offer a viable and affordable approach to assuring continuous electrical power during peak demands and emergency conditions without sacrificing environmental quality. A 2006 published study by Gilmore, Lave and Adams at Carnegie Mellon University found that using diesel backup generators to supply electricity during the periods of peak demand has lower private and social costs than a new peaking plant in addition to making electricity supply more reliable and relieving major problems associated with siting new generation and transmission [Vol. 40, Nov. 22, 2006, Environmental Science & Technology].
The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection seems well informed and equipped to establish the proper terms and conditions for diesel generator use. This includes requiring the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and emissions control technologies and establishing operating conditions. Diesel generator use can provide effective emergency backup power and be used to offset periods of peak demand. Doing so can minimize environmental concerns, and can also reduce the potential construction/expansion of new electric power generating facilities.
Allen Schaeffer
Executive Director
Diesel Technology Forum
Frederick, Md.
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