Efforts to expand and modernize electricity transmission grids worldwide are facing mounting challenges, as procurement lead times and costs for essential components have nearly doubled since 2021.

As a result, while global investment in power transmission rose 10% in 2023 to reach $140 billion, this figure would need to go above $200 billion a year by the mid-2030s to meet the rising electricity demand.

Those are some of the primary findings of a hard-hitting report into grid infrastructure from the International Energy Agency. The report goes on to note that as the world moves toward the ‘age of electricity’, with global power consumption set to increase strongly in the years ahead, coordinated efforts across the entire supply chain will be essential to enable reliable power system development for the future.

Why generators are the answer to grid instability

An unreliable grid is a serious concern for mission-critical sectors such as healthcare, data centers, and utilities. When outages occur, there is a very real threat of disruption to core operations unless mitigation technologies are in place.

Increasingly, mitigation technologies take the form of generators. These tried and trusted pieces of equipment start in seconds in the event of grid failure, ensuring continuity of mission-critical services.

With the stakes so high, choosing the right industrial generator for backup power becomes a critical priority. Fortunately, there is a wide range of options, including generators in various sizes, fuel types, and enclosures to suit specific power needs. By carefully evaluating individual requirements, it is possible to select the ideal generator for emergency backup power to keep your business running.

Rehlko, formerly known as Kohler Energy, is one such provider of generators for mission-critical applications. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Rehlko has a rich history with over 100 years of commitment to building a more energy-resilient future. Now operating as a standalone business dedicated to addressing complex energy challenges, the company manufactures its generators to the highest standards in state-of-the-art manufacturing plants across the globe.

Renowned for its focus on premium quality and longevity, Rehlko rigorously tests each generator for performance and efficiency, ensuring reliability in extreme conditions such as heat or high winds. These thorough processes result in generators that are often preferred for commercial or heavy-duty industrial applications. The excellent build quality also helps reduce maintenance and operating costs over the long term.

However, the generator itself is only one part of the equation. End-users also rely on Rehlko and its distributors to guide the selection process, ensuring they choose the most suitable generator for their specific application.

Key Considerations for Generator Selection

• Power output: The required power output is a critical factor. Industrial generators are available in a wide range of power options.

• Fuel type: The choice of fuel type is significant, with options including diesel, natural gas and liquid propane. Increasingly, many industrial users are choosing to run backup generators on renewable diesel fuels, such as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), reducing lifecycle emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional diesel fuel.

• Noise level: Noise pollution is a growing concern, especially in urban areas. To minimize noise emissions, generators can be housed in acoustic soundproofed enclosures.

• Footprint: Generators are often installed in space-constrained sites. Careful consideration is given to design for compactness by utilizing efficient engine and component placement, optimizing cooling solutions, and offering modular options.

• Robustness: High-quality materials are crucial for achieving low through-life costs, particularly when generators are situated outdoors. Generators are made robust through a combination of durable materials, such as steel with enhanced corrosion resistance. They can be housed in enclosures that cover and protect them from outside elements, animal intrusion, and unwanted entry.

• Maintenance and warranties: Easy maintenance and comprehensive warranties are crucial. Smart maintenance programs enable operators to perform no-load generator exercises every four months, extending maintenance intervals. Extended warranties are also available to provide additional peace of mind.

This is where Rehlko truly excels. In addition to offering a comprehensive range of high-quality generators, the company provides expert advice for optimal generator selection. This comprehensive package, comprising products, services, and support, guarantees that end-users receive precisely what they need.

Ultimately, industrial generators provide a dependable source of backup power in an era of increasing grid instability worldwide. Rehlko has an unwavering commitment to building a more energy-resilient future, delivering advanced power solutions that keep your business running.