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Germany has been instrumental in the design and development of biogas power plant technologies. and is also the recognized leader in the manufacture of biodiesel from “multi-feedstock” sources. When Mr. Nicolaus Otto developed the four-stroke combustion engine in 1860 and  Dr. Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine in 1893, nobody anticipated in those years that Germany will become the center of innovation in renewable energy technologies.

According to the international patent office, more than 80% of all renewable energy innovations are developed and patented by German scientists and manufacturers. German manufacturers have a vast amount of knowledge and experience in this field and can offer much to potential customers who are just in the beginning stages of understanding this technology, and interested in utilizing renewable energy sources for their power generation needs or fuel applications.

Standing out of the Crowd - What makes 2G® different?

2G® is one of Europe’s foremost players in the sector of cogeneration, natural gas, and bio energy CHP technologies. The group's strategy is to achieve sustainable value enhancement in its core areas of expertise. It focuses on the high-growth renewable energy, and CHP business sectors all over the world. 2G’s corporate values are based on the solid, tried and true foundations of typical German attributes. Today, as in the past, 2G® upholds five core values: reliability, innovation, dynamics, strength and quality.

2G®, listed at the German Stock Exchange in Frankfurt, is a leading manufacturer of gas-fueled cogeneration CHP modules, applying reciprocating engine technologies. 2G’s power generation units cover an output range of 0.25 to 4MW and multiple modules can be operated synchronized to achieve larger power plant outputs of up to 16MW. Engines can operate on a broad variety of gases while offering high levels of efficiency, durability and reliability. In addition to its various cogeneration applications, 2G's biogas, landfill gas, sewage gas, and coal mine methane CHP modules provide environmental and economic benefits through the utilization of generating energy from high methane content waste streams. Learn more about 2G® and it's capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Biogas?

Biogas production is a process with many winners. Agricultural operators, farmers, food processing industries, waste management companies, utility authorities, waste water plant facilities, municipalities, and many rural economies. Rather than flare or vent this valuable gas, we can intentionally and intelligently employ the methane to create energy and at the same time reduce dangerous greenhouse gases.

What is Biogas and how is it produced?

Biogas is methane. Methane is produced during the process of anaerobic decomposition of organic waste, biomass, and also from fats like animal waste products. It is also generated in landfills and during sewage and waste water treatment.

The Cost of Biogas?

Biogas is basically free. Additionally, using biogas solves two environmental problems in one stroke. Since biogas is produced from waste products it helps taking care about the waste issue and at the same time contributes to cleaner air, since biogas does not add to the CO2 greenhouse effect.

Can Biogas Fuel be used in any Standard Natural Gas Genset or Engine?

No ! Advanced and specifically designed engines and power generation systems, built for biogas combustion, are required  to operate reliably and without problems. Most standard gas engines are designed to burn gases with high methane content. All 2G® cogeneration plants are developed and manufactured for various biogases and weak low methane gas, including syngas.

Why Biodiesel?

Biodiesel reduces nearly all forms of air pollution compared to petroleum diesel.  In particular, biodiesel reduces toxic contaminants associated with diesel exhaust, is non-toxic, biodegradable, and produces 78% less CO2 than petroleum diesel fuel. It is renewable, cost-effective, efficient and profitable.

What is Biodiesel and how is it produced?

Biodiesel is a clean burning alternative to fossil fuel, and is made from 100% renewable materials. This liquid fuel is produced from plant sources such as soy, canola, rape, palm oil, etc. Other available forms of fuels include biodiesel made from animal fat and recycled vegetable oils. Biodiesel fuel is made through a process called transesterfication. This process involves removing the glycerin from the vegetable oil or fat. Biodiesel is free from such substances as sulfur and aromatics which are found in traditional fuels. The unique quality of biodiesel makes it an ideal alternative fuel for cogeneration. It has passed all Government testing requirements and it meets the standards of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actively supports the commercial distribution of biodiesel.

The Cost of Biodiesel?

The harmful effects of fossil fuels have been well documented and are repeated almost daily on every news program around the world. Global warming, the greenhouse effect, cancer, acid rain, and a slew of other problems are directly related to the consumption of oil for energy. While these are all excellent reasons to switch to an alternative fuel source, you should add one more: “Money”. When standard diesel is compared to biodiesel, especially plant oil, the cost for biodiesel is astoundingly lower than fossil fuel. Biodiesel cost out-compares oil based fuel every time.

Can Biodiesel Fuel be used in any Standard Diesel Genset or Engine?

It depends on the biodiesel fuel type. There is a difference between biodiesel made through a process called transesterfication, and vegetable / plant oil that has been extracted from seeds using the cold press method. The biodiesel type B100 can be operated in most diesel engines with little or no modification to the engine or the fuel system.

In reference to vegetable and plant oil bio fuels, engineers and enthusiasts have been experimenting to use this fuel since quite some time. It is only recently that the necessary fuel properties and engine parameters for reliable operation have become apparent. Especially in Germany, the birth place of the Otto and Diesel Motor, leading engine manufacturers developed and invested in new technologies that guarantee reliable long term use of vegetable & plant oil in diesel engines. All our biodiesel engines have been especially designed and manufactured for this fuel source and are covered by a comprehensive product warranty.

What is Cogeneration CHP?

Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as cogeneration, is an efficient, clean, and reliable approach to generating power and thermal energy from a single fuel source. By installing a CHP system designed to meet the thermal and electrical base loads of a facility, CHP can greatly increase the facility's operational efficiency and decrease energy costs. At the same time, CHP reduces the emission of greenhouse gases, which contribute to global climate change.

What is Micro-Cogeneration - Compact CHP?

"Micro Cogeneration" is a so called distributed energy resource (DER). The installation is usually less than 100kWe in a building or small business. Instead of burning fuel to merely heat space or water, some of the energy is converted to electricity in addition to heat. This electricity can be used within the home or business or, if permitted by the grid management, sold back into the electric power grid. In a comparison by Calverton Energy Research Group, it was found that in the case where heat would otherwise be produced by burning fossil fuels in a boiler, micro cogeneration is a more cost effective method generating energy and reducing CO2 emissions.