What Are the Uses of Generators?  

### 1. Primary Power Supply  

Some users lack access to grid electricity, such as remote islands, rural pastoral areas, and military bases or radar stations in deserts or plateaus. In such cases, they require a self-sufficient power source. Diesel generators are often the preferred choice for primary power when the required generating capacity is not excessively large.  

### 2. Backup Power Supply  

Certain facilities, despite having reliable grid power, still require backup generators to prepare for emergencies such as grid failures or unexpected blackouts. These users typically demand uninterrupted power—even a momentary outage is unacceptable—and must switch to emergency power instantly to avoid significant losses. Examples include hospitals, mines, power plant backup systems, and factories relying on electric heating equipment. In recent years, the demand for backup power has expanded to include telecom operators, banks, airports, command centers, data hubs, highways, high-end hotels, office buildings, and upscale dining/entertainment venues, as these sectors increasingly rely on networked operations.  

### 3. Alternative Power Supply  

Generators serve as an alternative when grid power is insufficient or too expensive. There are two scenarios:  

- Cost-saving measure: Businesses opt for diesel generators to reduce expenses when grid electricity prices are prohibitively high.  

- Power shortage mitigation: During widespread blackouts or load-shedding imposed by utilities, generators ensure uninterrupted operations.  

For instance, China witnessed surges in diesel generator sales during the 1980s (nationwide), early 1990s (Southern China), and 2003–2004 (Eastern China)—all driven by severe electricity shortages.  

### 4. Mobile Power Supply  

Mobile power refers to portable generators designed for mobility. Diesel generators, being compact and easy to operate, are ideal for this purpose. They are often mounted on self-propelled or towed vehicles and serve mobile operations such as oilfields, geological surveys, construction sites, expeditions, military deployments, and emergency response units (e.g., utility repair trucks). Other applications include powering trains, ships, and containerized mobile units.  

### 5. Fire Protection Power Supply  

Fire-fighting generators provide backup power for building safety systems (e.g., sprinklers, alarms) during emergencies when grid power is cut. With stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations globally, this segment represents a rapidly growing market with significant potential.  

### Conclusion: Evolving Market Roles  

The four main applications of diesel generators reflect societal development stages:  

- Primary/alternative power addresses infrastructure gaps or supply shortages, typical in early economic growth phases.  

- Backup/mobile power meets higher reliability needs and expanding electrification demands, characteristic of advanced economies.  

Thus, while primary/alternative uses are transitional, backup/mobile applications—especially fire protection systems—represent long-term demand drivers, with the latter poised for substantial growth.