Energy diversification has created the possibilities of a healthier environment, stronger communities, and robust and inclusive economies. Cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy that use fewer of the world’s resources promise a decarbonized economy — which is critical to both our future and current way of life.  

Across the power generation and industrial markets, including mining, marine and rail, Cummins customers continue to show interest in and dedication to reducing their environmental footprints. Although they share this common goal, their needs along this journey can be quite different.  

As power generation and industrial markets move toward the widespread adoption of zero and low in-use emissions equipment and processes, Cummins continues to invest in these solutions to power a more prosperous world. 

State of Adoption Among Solutions 

Innovations in the areas of advanced diesel, natural gas, electrification, fuel cells, alternative fuels and other energy solutions are making a future with low carbon emissions possible. The Cummins portfolio of power options — including internal combustion engines, battery-electric and fuel-cell technologies — is broad because our customers’ power needs and capabilities are expanding. 

Battery-electric solutions — which produce no direct carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases (GHGs) while in use —  could be a sustainable, emissions-cutting option for mobile-wheeled mining equipment, marine shoreline vessels, short distance rail applications in the near term, for example.  

As electrification becomes more economically viable and widely adopted in industrial applications and markets, Cummins remains invested in the improved efficiency of engine-based solutions - understanding that customers may opt for cleaner diesel and other alternative drop-in fuels such as hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) and biodiesel, as the infrastructure is developed across the country for electrified power. Cummins emphasizes the significance of taking action now to begin reducing carbon emissions, rather than waiting for a perfect solution. This urgency arises from the fact that once carbon is released into the atmosphere, it becomes irreversible, posing greater challenges for the world to reach its climate goals. 

A decarbonized future is one that has engine options which can make the transition from diesel and natural gas to renewable equivalents. The positive impact of advanced solutions is significant. For example, a sewer district in Northern Utah switched from generators driven by gasoline engines to generator sets designed by Cummins to run on methane gas, a by-product of wastewater treatment (biomethane). But instead of flaring or emitting the methane into the atmosphere, the sewer district uses the excess gas to supply 60% of the facility’s electrical needs. 

The sewer district had struggled to meet Utah's air quality requirements. By investing in the latest Cummins generators that use biomethane for fuel, the sewer district lowered its nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from 19g/hp-h to 0.5g/hp-h and now meets emissions standards. And excess heat from power generation is harnessed to keep wastewater treatment processes within required temperature ranges. 

Short line railroads are another example of how advanced engine solutions can meet urgent needs for decarbonization and efficiency. Railroads want cleaner-running locomotives but do not typically have the engineering resources to repower a locomotive themselves. Cummins developed a pre-engineered retrofittable power module that simplifies installation.  

By upgrading the power modules, railroads can reduce NOx and particulate matter (PM) emissions, which are key contributors to smog, by up to 93% compared to conventional engines. They also can lower operating costs because the Cummins power modules consume 90% less lube oil and 18% less fuel. 

In other applications, fuel cells can be used as energy converters; but unlike batteries, they do not require recharging. As long as fuel is continuously supplied to the fuel cell, electricity will be produced, making it a source of cleaner energy.  

Cummins has deployed more than 2,000 hydrogen fuel cells. These have powered a number of global firsts, including a fleet of hydrogen-powered passenger trains with Alstom Coradia iLint. Leading Europe’s rail industry into a new era of sustainability, the fleet of zero-emissions passenger trains runs on a completely hydrogen train route and emits only steam and condensed water while in service. 

The need to reduce global GHG emissions is more important than ever and Cummins has established the company’s Destination Zero strategy to guide its effort. Alternative fuel solutions will be part of the answer for power generation and industrial markets. Alternative fuel internal combustion engines benefit from familiar technologies and experienced maintenance professionals.  As the adoption of alternative fuels becomes mainstream, refueling infrastructure and supply chains will become more robust.  

Destino cero  

As a global leader in power systems solutions: internal combustion engines, battery, fuel-cell and hydrogen-production solutions, Cummins is powering the success of our customers through a growing portfolio of options designed to meet their needs at every point of their journey to low and zero emissions. Follow the link for more information on cleaner energy solutions for a decarbonized economy.