A diesel generator is a modern invention that creates electricity without relying on traditional power sources. Instead, the diesel generator relies on an alternator, a diesel engine and diesel fuel to produce an electric current through the power of the engine, which is then distributed to businesses, homes, construction sites and hospitals. Sometimes a diesel generator is used in emergencies, such as when a power outage occurs as a result of a natural disaster. Other times it is a primary method of energy production, such as for a temporary construction site.

A diesel generator might be used when a building does not have access to utility power from the local power company. This is why a construction site is so likely to use a diesel generator; they are often located in places where the power grid is not available. Diesel generators are also frequently used on transport ships for the same reason. They are also backup power sources for businesses to maintain their operations, hospitals to retain use of their instruments and airports to preserve system integrity during power losses. A diesel generator can even keep people on life support after a city has suffered a major earthquake that resulted in power outages.

The diesel generator offers many advantages over other types of generators, such as reduced maintenance and repairs due to a simpler arrangement of parts. A diesel generator can also produce a continuous flow of voltage without the ups and downs that is commonplace with utility power and can cause damage to certain electronic devices. A generator helps regulate the fluctuations. There are many diesel generators to choose from, such as Kubota diesel generators, Lister-Petter diesel generators, Mitsubishi diesel generators and Cummins power generators.

As long as a diesel generator is maintained properly, it can provide power for a multitude of different purposes for many years to come.