Renewable energy

There is more to emissions than CO2

What is CO2e and how is it different from CO2?

Always improve in all ways

Have you ever heard of CO2e? Don’t worry if you haven’t. CO2e stands for "carbon dioxide equivalent" and is a unit of measurement used to compare the emissions of different greenhouse gases based on their global warming impact. It represents the amount of CO2 that would have the same warming effect as the combined emissions of all greenhouse gases being measured.

CO2e was created by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to help us compare the effects of different greenhouse gases. Since each gas has a different global warming potential, it can be tough to figure out which one is worse and where we need to take action. That’s where CO2e comes in. The new universal unit accounts for carbon dioxide and all other gases as well. Methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and the F-gases. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Instead of trying to keep track of a bunch of different parameters, we can just use CO2e to keep everything manageable.

At Atlas Copco Rental, we’re all about being accurate which is why we’re all for using CO2e in our data. Sure, CO2 is the main villain, but there are plenty more bandits in his team. With CO2e we can know our carbon footprint better and strive to improve. Always and in all ways.

The city of the future is emission-free

The five pillars of our Future Fuel fleet

While others are compelled to react to these cultural and political changes, Atlas Copco Rental has been preparing for this shift for years. Reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels aren’t only critical social challenges but key pillars of our business strategy. Customers who choose Atlas Copco Rental equipment can rest assured they have the most sustainable temporary solution on the market and will still maintain their highest levels of performance or productivity.

Our electric-driven fleet

When it comes to electric-driven equipment, Atlas Copco Specialty Rental has been at the forefront of innovation for years. Thanks to significant progress in electric motor, power electronics, and battery technologies, Atlas Copco Specialty Rental is the only temporary solutions provider that can offer customers an electric-driven option for any application. The benefits of going electric cannot be overstated for the right application: from improved noise levels to no diesel engine emissions; and improved efficiency to simpler service. So why should you not go electric? As long as you have an electric power source on your site, the electric compressor will always be the most efficient solution.

Stage V engine technologies in our fleet

The regulations regarding Stage V have been developed, emphasizing technologies that reduce harmful substances in exhaust gases. Stage V limits the overall mass of particulate matter in the exhaust gas and the number of particles emitted through a particulate filter. Engine makers have studied several ways of combining different techniques to achieve the Stage V emissions limits. As with Stage IV, an exhaust after-treatment system (EATS) with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is needed. This means that diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is injected into the exhaust stream to reduce the NOx levels.

HVO biodiesel and our fleet

HVO, or "hydrotreated vegetable oil," is the newest generation biodiesel, produced from recycled vegetable oils and fats, mostly waste products of the fish and meat industry. It’s 100% fossil-free, non-toxic, and carbon-neutral because it’s a recycled product. HVO also burns cleaner than diesel. Simply fueling with 100%, pure HVO makes your compressor run carbon-free and lowers the emission of NOx and particular matter at the same time. Another benefit of HVO: you can blend it with diesel at any percentage, contrary to “older” bio-fuels. We have extensively tested HVO with all our engines and detected no impact on performance whatsoever in various circumstances. Myth busted! In fact, we found that in some cases, HVO outperforms diesel, for example, when starting your compressor up in cold conditions.

Hybrid and energy storage solutions

Storing energy when it’s available from renewable sources is an easy way to reduce site pollution. Atlas Copco’s hybrid & energy storage system connects Power Modules to other energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro, as well as to energy storage stations like batteries. The hybrid & energy storage system generates power from renewable sources (solar, wind, or hydro) whenever possible. The power module is then used whenever the original energy source isn’t available, for example, replacing solar energy at night or providing power during maintenance or repair operations at a wind farm. Battery energy storage is also important as energy stored in battery modules can be used when needed, further reducing fuel consumption. Hybrid energy storage solutions are often required for many sustainable power projects in remote locations where grid power is unavailable. In addition, it offers an environmentally friendly alternative to only using a diesel generator, resulting in significantly lower emissions.

H2 prototype

While electricity is the tip of the spear in the global green energy transition, its source is often discussed. That is where hydrogen-based solutions come in. No more debatable ecological decisions or energy/fuel sources. While hydrogen will eventually be the fuel of choice, it is often regarded as a byproduct in many plants and industries. By aligning energy consumption with on-site H2 generation and storage, an evolution to cost-competitiveness can be guaranteed and sustainability goals exceeded. H2 technology on a smaller scale is ideal for applications such as short-term or mobile off-grid electric vehicle charging stations, powering (outdoor) events, urban construction site applications, and many, many more. 

Calculate your total cost of usership
Calculate your total cost of usership
Considering the total cost of owning equipment versus renting to make the right decision and optimize your balance sheet. Find out whether you should own or rent.
 
Considering the total cost of owning equipment versus renting to make the right decision and optimize your balance sheet. Find out whether you should own or rent.
Diesel or not to diesel? That’s the question.
Hand holding a tree and butterfly with green background. This is a visual representation of the ‘green energy transition’.
Diesel or not to diesel? That’s the question.
Need help to decide what's right for you? Read more here or contact us right away.
 
Need help to decide what's right for you? Read more here or contact us right away.
Need help to decide what's right for you? Read more here or contact us right away.
Achieving the highest air quality
A woman standing next to a waterfall breathing in fresh air.
Achieving the highest air quality
Watch here how we ensure the highest air quality.
 
Watch here how we ensure the highest air quality.
Watch here how we ensure the highest air quality.
Did you know that we also offer power, nitrogen, steam and flow solutions?
Did you know that we also offer power, nitrogen, steam and flow solutions?
Download the Rental book and discover our entire fleet.
 
Download the Rental book and discover our entire fleet.
Customer stories
Customer stories
Wondering how you can focus on your core business? Discover how our experts help production sites all over the world.
 
Wondering how you can focus on your core business? Discover how our experts help production sites all over the world.

At Atlas Copco, we have been turning industrial ideas into business-critical benefits since 1873. By listening to our customers and knowing their needs, we deliver value and innovate with the future in mind. Great ideas reinforce sustainable development. At Atlas Copco Specialty Rental, we team up with our customers to set up state-of-the-art temporary air, flow, steam and nitrogen solutions. Our passionate experts have extensive application and equipment knowledge. We understand our customers' needs and can provide a total solution for any industry, no matter if it is for emergencies or planned projects. We are a division of the Power Technique business area, headquartered in Boom, Belgium and offer specialty rental solutions under several brands around the globe.