Gas Cogeneration as a Continuous Power Source: Key Takeaways from Alexander Suslov's Speech at the Energy Club Meeting

25.02.2026

On February 18, 2026, the online meeting “Technologies and Solutions for Community Energy Security,” organized by Energy Club, took place. One of the key topics of the event was gas cogeneration as a tool for balancing and supporting grids. Alexander Suslov, CEO of SPE Volten LLC, shared his practical experience and calculations.

Below are the main insights from his report regarding the implementation and operation of gas power plants in Ukraine.

1. Gas Generation is a Continuous Source, Not Just an Emergency Backup

In Ukraine, it is often mistakenly believed that gas generators are only needed for emergency switching during grid outages. In fact, international experience (particularly in the field of IT and data centers) proves that it is most appropriate and economically viable to use them as a continuous generation source operating 24/7.

2. Specifics of Startup and Load

Modern gas power plants have their own technical characteristics compared to other power sources:

• Startup Speed: They are capable of reaching full power in approximately 3 minutes, which is much faster than turbine or thermal plants.
• Sensitivity to Sharp Spikes: Gas generators do not function like diesel ones — they do not tolerate sharp load fluctuations. The load must increase gradually, in steps of +20–30%. A sudden jump to 40% can lead to the generator stopping due to an error.
• Optimal Mode: The unit should not operate at 20–30% of its capacity; the optimal operating range is between 50% and 100%. If there is no stable load, the expert advises installing multiple generators to work in tandem.

3. Maintenance

Gas generators require service significantly less often than diesel counterparts:

• Oil changes occur every 4,000 – 8,000 engine hours.
• Major overhauls are needed approximately every 60,000 – 80,000 engine hours (equivalent to 8–10 years of operation).

4. Cogeneration: Heat as a Bonus and Fast ROI

The electrical efficiency (COP) of gas generation is 42–46%. However, the main advantage lies in cogeneration — the simultaneous production of nearly the same amount of heat.

• Heat can be used for water heating, generating process steam, or space heating.
• By using cogeneration, the economic efficiency of the project increases significantly, and its payback period can be only a few years (assuming 8,000 engine hours of operation per year).

5. Electricity Cost and Fuel Flexibility

At current natural gas prices, the cost of one kilowatt of generated electricity ranges from 6 to 8 UAH (even without considering the additional benefit of thermal recovery). Furthermore, these generators can run not only on natural gas but also on biogas, biomethane, landfill gas, etc. The “biomethane + cogeneration” combination is one of the most profitable models for the agricultural sector. Optimal power for achieving the best efficiency starts from 500 kW, and ideally from 1 MW.

6. Real Project Implementation Timelines

Alexander Suslov emphasized an important nuance: even if equipment is available in stock, a project cannot be launched in 1–2 months. The process includes site selection, development of project documentation, grid connection, and approvals from the regional gas company. The real implementation timeframe ranges from 3 to 9 months depending on complexity.

Reference: SPE Volten LLC offers comprehensive solutions (from 0.8 MW to 4.5 MW) based on equipment from MTU, Jenbacher, Cummins, and MWM. The company performs economic analysis, supply, design, construction, installation, and maintenance.