In a world increasingly driven by artificial intelligence (AI), digital commerce, and 24/7 connectivity, power infrastructure is under growing pressure. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the data center sector, where skyrocketing electricity demand, lagging grid development, and sustainability mandates collide. A newly released on-demand webinar hosted by Arena International and sponsored by INNIO Group’s Jenbacher brand offers a compelling look at the evolving power landscape and the innovations stepping in to meet it.
In this webinar, Harminder Singh, director for research and analysis at GlobalData, outlines how data centers, particularly in the US, are becoming major players in energy consumption. Research indicates that data center electricity use is projected to increase significantly, potentially approaching 9% of total US demand by 2030, driven by AI, crypto, and cloud computing workloads, each requiring substantial energy input.
However, while generation and storage capacities are expanding, transmission networks are not keeping pace. In the US alone, more than 2,600 GW of generation and storage capacity remain stuck in grid interconnection queues, with average wait times exceeding five years. The resulting bottleneck is exacerbated by permitting delays and regional constraints, forcing data center operators to look elsewhere for energy security.
Future-proofing your energy supply with Jenbacher solutions
INNIO’s Markus Strömich-Jenewein and Thomas Seeber discuss a range of alternative energy solutions tailored for data center resilience, proposing reliable, high-efficiency gas engine technology that is designed to reduce emissions and provide firm, scalable power independent of grid availability. From Germany to the US, INNIO’s Jenbacher solutions are already powering hyperscalers and co-location centers with modular installations that deliver both primary and backup power, with systems that offer fast ramp-up times comparable to diesel with lower emissions and the flexibility to integrate renewable fuels such as hydrogen.
The webinar highlights several real-world examples, including a landmark hydrogen-powered plant in Austria where renewable energy is stored seasonally via underground caverns, as well as several 100 MW to 200 MW modular gas power solutions in the US, enabling data center development in grid-constrained zones. Another standout case involves a dual-fuel hydrogen/natural gas backup system designed to ensure continuous uptime despite supply challenges.
Beyond infrastructure, the presentation addresses practical considerations, such as emissions compliance, modular deployment, significantly reduced water consumption, and fuel flexibility. Notably, the engines are engineered to operate in harsh environments, such as high ambient temperatures and elevations without derating, positioning Jenbacher gas engines ahead of gas turbine technology.
This session is a must-watch for data center operators, sustainability leads, and energy professionals navigating the fast-changing landscape of digital infrastructure. With expert insight, case studies, and a clear vision for sustainable growth, this on-demand webinar brings clarity to one of the most urgent challenges facing the digital age.
Watch the full webinar on demand now.
