Modern power generation systems can produce clean, economical energy. Gas t
urbines, modem reciprocating engines and fuel cells may all play a role in
new power production, both for electric power and mechanical drive applicat
ions. Compared to their counterparts of even a decade ago, new power system
s have significantly reduced pollutant emissions. However, the careful bala
nce between low emissions and operating performance often requires that sys
tem performance be optimized on a single fuel. Thus, for example, a gas tur
bine designed to produce low emissions on natural gas may not easily achiev
e the same emission goals on a different gaseous fuel. This paper reviews t
he various issues associated with changes in gaseous fuel composition for l
ow-emission turbines, reciprocating engines and fuel cells. (C) 2001 Publis
hed by Elsevier Science Ltd.