Rolls-Royce gas engines for data centers

Rolls-Royce Power Systems is striving to advance the introduction of stationary gas engines for data centers. CNG/LNG units are not well received by the market because of the load acceptance times. So, Rolls-Royce is expanding its energy portfolio with new mtu gas engines that feature fast-start capability to powering data centers.

Fast-Start Gas Engines for Data Centers: The mtu Series 4000 L64 Solution

Starting in 2026, the new 20-cylinder mtu Series 4000 L64 engine for the 60 Hz market (primarily North America), will be able to deliver its full output of 2.8 Megawatts in just 45 seconds. Performance has been increased by ten percent compared to the previous version. The latest version does not require a gearbox, which means significant space savings for data center operators. Current versions of the mtu Series 4000 gas gensets for both 50 Hz and 60 Hz are already available worldwide with a fast-start capability of 120 seconds.

Quoting Kevin McKinney and Tobias Ostermaier

“We expect that natural gas will increasingly be used to meet the growing energy demands of (AI) data centers in the future, particularly in North America, where it is relatively inexpensive and readily available. This 45-second fast-start solution with higher power output will represent a significant advancement for our customers and their ability to secure power for their operations,” said Kevin McKinney, Vice President Powergen Sales Americas at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

“Especially since the energy consumption of data centers worldwide will double by 2030, our customers will need solutions from us that are efficient, sustainable, and secure. This is the reason why we are continuing to invest heavily in expanding our portfolio and as well in different technologies to offer our customers the best solutions for today’s but also for future requirements,” explained Tobias Ostermaier, President Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

The fast-start mtu gas gensets can be used in data centers for emergency power supply, but also for continuous power supply and in combination with mtu diesel gensets. The continuous power application is especially attractive when the existing grid power is not sufficient to take on the new load of a data center coming online. By using an independent gas power plant, operators may be able to come online faster and realize other benefits such as increased energy security and additional revenue from feeding electricity into the grid. mtu Series 4000 natural gas generators offer the advantages of long life – boasting 84,000 hours before overhaul and are available in a container version.

In times when power grids are under strain due to the connection of large data centers and the integration of volatile renewable energies, modular gas power plants can help to ensure security of supply. mtu gas engines already provide reliable power and heat supply worldwide: In Alberta, Canada, they support the power grid during peak loads to ensure continuous availability. In the UK, a fleet of more than 500 mtu gas gensets is already in operation.