Energy & Power Generation

The Energy and Power Generation sector is crucial to our day to day lives, relying on a variety of energy sources, including fossil fuels, biofuels, nuclear power, and renewables. However, microbial contamination and microbiologically influenced corrosion pose significant challenges to safety, reliability, and operational efficiency in this sector.

Microbial contamination is especially concerning in facilities that use diesel, biofuels, and fuel oils for standby and emergency generators such as data centres, hospitals, and manufacturing facilities. When water is present, bacteria, yeasts, and mould can thrive in fuel storage tanks, resulting in sludge formation that clogs filters and injectors, leading to reduced fuel flow, starvation of the system, and interruption of the electricity supply. This is of particular concern with FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester) in biofuel, which is hygroscopic, thus attracting and holding onto water more easily.

Another area at risk of microbial contamination in Energy and Power Generation is lubricating oils in turbines, where growth can cause degradation of the oils themselves and biofilm growth on equipment surfaces. This can significantly shorten the lifetime of equipment if left unchecked. These sources of contamination necessitate frequent maintenance to avoid increases in operational costs.

microbiologically influenced corrosion also presents serious risks, as microbes such as sulphate-reducing bacteria generate corrosive metabolites like hydrogen sulphide, which can corrode storage tanks, pipelines, and distribution systems. This corrosion can lead to leaks, structural damage, and fuel contamination. In extreme cases, microbiologically influenced corrosion may cause tank failures, creating substantial environmental and operational hazards. Due to their organic composition and higher water content, systems containing biofuels are particularly susceptible to both microbial contamination and microbiologically influenced corrosion, necessitating rigorous monitoring and specialised treatment methods.

To mitigate these risks, the power generation sector employs preventive strategies, including regular testing, water removal, biocides, and protective coatings for tanks and pipelines. Frequent inspections and cleanings are crucial for maintaining system integrity and minimising maintenance costs. As the sector transitions towards more sustainable energy sources, such as biofuels and potentially hydrogen-based fuels, robust microbial management remains essential for ensuring safe, reliable, and cost-effective power generation across various energy sources.