Key Takeaway
Kevin McKinney from Rolls-Royce Power Systems predicts that natural gas will increasingly power AI data centres in North America due to its affordability and availability. The company’s fast-start mtu gas gensets provide backup and sustained power, addressing grid inadequacies when data centres launch. This solution enhances energy reliability and allows operators to generate income by supplying electricity to the grid. The mtu gas engines, with a lifespan of 84,000 hours, offer clean energy benefits by reducing emissions and can operate on sustainable fuels like biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen, depending on availability.
“We anticipate that natural gas will increasingly be utilized to meet the rising energy demands of AI data centres in the future, especially in North America, where it is relatively affordable and readily accessible,” states Kevin Mckinney, Vice President Powergen Sales Americas at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
“This 45-second fast-start solution with increased power output will mark a significant advancement for our customers and their capacity to secure power for their operations.”
Supporting data centres
The fast-start mtu gas gensets can support data centres by providing both backup power and sustained energy delivery when paired with mtu diesel gensets.
This offers a clear advantage, as grid electricity can often be insufficient to meet new demands when a data centre becomes operational.
The solution from Rolls-Royce suggests that operators could potentially achieve quicker activation and enjoy improved energy reliability and revenue from supplying electricity to the grid.
The natural gas generators available through the mtu Series provide an extended lifespan of 84,000 hours before needing upgrades.
Clean energy solutions
Gas units offer clean energy benefits and can reduce emissions, including nitrogen oxides and CO2, while simultaneously improving efficiency during electricity and heat or cooling generation.
The mtu gas engines are designed for operation with sustainable fuels such as biogas and biomethane.
The engines have also been developed to operate with 100 percent hydrogen or hydrogen blends, although this depends on the availability of green hydrogen.
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