Why B&W Chose Siemens for AI Data Centre Power

Babcock & Wilcox selects Siemens Energy to supply steam turbine generator sets for a major project that supports Applied Digital’s AI data centre build. 

The 1GW power infrastructure is due for completion by the end of 2028 and marks a key step in delivering capacity for energy-intensive workloads.

B&W, listed on the New York Stock Exchange, confirms a limited notice to proceed agreement with Siemens Energy, securing the turbine sets in advance of the full contract, which is expected in the first quarter of 2026. Such equipment supports the development of a 1GW energy project across four 300MW gas-fired plants.

Kenneth Young, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Babcock & Wilcox, says: “This arrangement brings together two companies with long histories of innovation and leadership in the power generation industry.

“Leveraging Siemens Energy’s advanced turbine technology alongside B&W’s proven boiler systems positions us to meet critical schedule milestones and deliver reliable power by the end of 2028.”

Natural gas plants for dependable capacity

The project supports Applied Digital’s AI Factory infrastructure with dispatchable power using a thermal generation model. 

Each plant uses a boiler to convert heat from natural gas into steam, which then turns the turbine to generate electricity. A method like this delivers a steady supply of power, unlike intermittent or peaking sources.

B&W uses this configuration to meet a compressed timeline. It offers a more stable alternative to simple-cycle or combined-cycle plants, which are more complex and take longer to implement. The model is based on proven systems and is designed to operate continuously at scale.

Brandy Johnson, Chief Technology Officer at Babcock & Wilcox, says: “Our selection of Siemens Energy is a key step in delivering efficient, reliable power for our customer, Applied Digital and the rapidly growing AI Data Center market.

“We can deliver data center solutions significantly faster than what could be achieved with simple-cycle or combined-cycle power plants.”

For Siemens Energy, the focus is on supporting steady energy output to meet the base load needs of data centre facilities. These environments run continuously and require stable, uninterrupted power.

Tobias Panse, Senior Vice President, Steam Turbine and Generators at Siemens Energy, says: “By pairing our steam turbine systems with B&W’s established boiler technology, we can deliver a straightforward, cohesive setup for large-scale power.

“A configuration well-suited to the continuous demand profile of modern AI facilities.”

Partnership delivers for AI infrastructure

Applied Digital builds high-density data centre campuses to support artificial intelligence workloads. 

The company views this partnership as central to delivering energy capacity within a demanding timeframe. It credits both B&W and Siemens Energy with the technical strength required for this task.

Wes Cummins, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Digital, says: “Teaming with Babcock & Wilcox and Siemens Energy – both global market leaders with many decades of experience – ensures we have the proven technologies and trusted expertise needed to meet our aggressive timelines.

“This agreement gives us confidence that we can deliver the capacity needed to support the next generation of AI infrastructure and we look forward to working with the teams from both of these outstanding companies.”

Babcock & Wilcox brings global experience in thermal power, having installed thousands of boiler systems at utility and industrial facilities. Its data centre strategy uses known equipment and delivery models to create reliable, redundant power capacity – it includes engineering, construction and long-term services.

With the turbine generator set in motion and full contract release expected in 2026, B&W and Siemens Energy align on delivering integrated infrastructure to power the next phase of digital expansion.

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