Can Rolls-Royce Support Green Power Grids for Data Centres?

With the expansion of Rolls-Royce’s energy portfolio, the new fast-start mtu gas engines qualify for the task of powering AI data centres and stabilising the power grid. 

Launching in 2026, the new 20-cylinder mtu Series 4000 L64 engine for the 60Hz market, which is predominantly in North America, can deliver its full capabilities of 2.8MW in 45 seconds – a 10% increase from Rolls-Royce’s previous version. 

And that’s not the only upgrade, the latest model does not include a gearbox, a benefit for data centre operators as it provides more space-saving opportunities.

“We expect that natural gas will increasingly be used to meet the growing energy demands of AI data centres in the future, particularly in North America, where it is relatively inexpensive and readily available,” says Kevin Mckinney, Vice President Powergen Sales Americas at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

“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.”

Supporting data centres

The fast-start mtu gas gensets can support data centres by providing both emergency power supply and a continuous power supply in combination with mtu diesel gensets. 

This provides a unique benefit, as grid power can be found to be insufficient to take on new loads of a data centre becoming active. 

The offering from Rolls-Royce means that operators may be able to come online faster and see improved energy security and revenue from feeding electricity into the grid. The natural gas generators provided by the mtu Series create a long life of 84,000 hours before needing upgrades. 

Clean energy solutions 

Gas units provide clean energy benefits and can reduce emissions like nitrogen oxides and CO2 and, as a result, improve efficiency when generating electricity and heat or cooling. The mtu gas engines are capable of being operated with sustainable fuels like biogas and biomethane. The engines have also been designed to be operated with 100 percent hydrogen or hydrogen admixture, however, this is reliant on available green hydrogen. 

“Especially since the energy consumption of data centres worldwide will double by 2030, our customers will need solutions from us that are efficient, sustainable and secure,” explains Tobias Ostermaier, President Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems. 

“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.” 

Where are the new mtu gensets deployed so far?

The mtu gas gensets are already powering data centres, one of which includes SpaceDC, which is operating its data centre campus with the technology from Rolls-Royce.

In the UK more than 500 mtu gas gensets are in operation. To ensure continuous availability during high intensity loads, the mtu gas engines support the power grid in Alberta, Canada.

Power grids are under intense strain from large data centres and require help from renewable energies to meet clean energy targets and ensure consistent supply. 

The current versions of the mtu Series 4000 gas gensets for 50Hz and 60Hz are available worldwide and hold a fast-start capability of 120 seconds.