Technology group Wärtsilä has secured a contract to supply 27 natural gas-fired engines to provide continuous primary power for a large data centre being built in the US. The 507MW on-site power plant will be equipped with Wärtsilä 50SG engines and is scheduled for equipment delivery in 2027.

The project reflects the growing challenge of powering energy-hungry data centres, which require highly reliable electricity but cannot always depend on the local grid. In many regions, existing transmission networks face capacity bottlenecks and stability issues, prompting developers to look at independent power solutions that can be deployed faster than major grid upgrades.

Wärtsilä’s engines were selected in part because they can maintain full output even in extreme heat, with operating capability above 100°F (37.8°C). The company says the engines’ fuel efficiency and emissions performance will help the customer meet its environmental targets. Although the units will initially run on natural gas, they are designed to be converted to operate on sustainable fuels, aligning with longer-term decarbonisation plans.

The power plant will use a modular configuration, allowing individual engines to be taken offline for maintenance without interrupting supply to the data centre. Fast ramp-up capability is intended to match fluctuating digital workloads, while the modular layout makes it easier to increase capacity as the facility expands.

Wärtsilä Energy president Anders Lindberg said the company’s off-grid and near-grid solutions are aimed at avoiding lengthy grid connection delays while providing resilient power in demanding conditions. The systems are designed to consume less fuel and water than some alternative technologies, a factor that is increasingly important in regions facing resource constraints.

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