Rolls-Royce is targeting the growing electricity and sustainability demands of artificial intelligence data centers with new gas engines. The company is launching a 2.8-megawatt gas engine, the mtu Series 4000 L64, designed for AI data centers and grid stabilization, with a market release planned for 2026. This move comes as data centers are consuming electricity at a rate that strains existing power grids, creating an urgent need for reliable backup and supplementary power systems.
The new 20-cylinder engine is specifically aimed at the North American market, which uses a 60Hz electrical grid. It boasts a 10% power increase over its predecessor and a fast-start capability, delivering its full power within 45 seconds. A key design change is the removal of the gearbox, which saves valuable floor space in crowded data center facilities. “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.
Addressing Power Grid Challenges
The increasing power consumption of data centers, driven by AI and cloud computing, is creating significant challenges for electrical grids. Regions with high concentrations of data centers, such as Northern Virginia, Dublin, and Singapore, have expressed concerns about the capacity of their existing infrastructure to support new facilities without major upgrades. Data center power demand in the U.S. is projected to more than triple by 2030, which could require an additional 153,000 MW of capacity by 2050.
Dual-Fuel Approach for Reliability
To address these challenges, Rolls-Royce’s new gas engines can be used in a hybrid setup alongside diesel generators. This allows data center operators to use the gas engines for continuous power, particularly when grid capacity is insufficient, while keeping diesel generators on standby for emergencies. This dual-fuel approach provides flexibility, allowing operators to switch between fuel types based on availability and cost. The mtu gas engines are designed for long-term operation, with a rated lifespan of 84,000 hours before needing an overhaul.
Technological Advancements and Specifications
The new mtu Series 4000 L64 engine represents a significant technological advancement over previous models. The fast-start capability, which has been reduced from 120 seconds to 45 seconds, is a critical feature for providing immediate support to the grid or in the event of a power outage at a data center. The 20-cylinder engine has a 90° V configuration with a bore and stroke of 170/210 mm and a cylinder displacement of 4.77 liters. The engine also features an electronic high-voltage capacitor ignition system and an electronic speed governor for precise control.
Enhanced Performance and Efficiency
The new engine delivers 2.8 MW of power, a 10% increase over the previous version. It also offers high power density and an impressive kilowatt-per-square-foot ratio. The removal of the gearbox not only saves space but also contributes to the engine’s efficiency. The mtu gas engines can achieve an electrical efficiency of around 44% and a total efficiency of over 88% when used in combined heat and power (CHP) applications.
Sustainability and Future Fuels
Gas engines generally produce lower emissions of nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide compared to their diesel counterparts. The mtu Series 4000 units are designed to operate on a range of sustainable fuels, including biogas and biomethane, which are produced from organic waste. This provides a pathway to further reduce the carbon footprint of data center operations.
Hydrogen-Ready Technology
Looking ahead, the engines are also designed to be hydrogen-ready. They can operate on 100% hydrogen or a blend of hydrogen and natural gas, although the widespread availability of hydrogen infrastructure is still a limiting factor. This future-proofs the technology, allowing data centers to transition to even cleaner energy sources as they become more accessible. Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, notes, “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.”
Global Deployments and Grid Stabilization
The current generation of mtu gas generators is already being used in data centers and for grid stabilization in various parts of the world. In the UK, over 500 units are in operation, supporting the power grid during periods of high demand. In Alberta, Canada, where the grid relies heavily on variable renewable energy sources like wind and solar, mtu gas engines play a crucial role in stabilizing the grid by quickly compensating for drops in renewable generation.
Proven Performance in Data Centers
SpaceDC is one of the data center operators that already utilizes mtu gas generators. The proven performance of these engines in real-world applications provides confidence in their reliability and effectiveness. The new generation of fast-starting engines will further enhance their value in both backup power and grid support roles. As Ostermaier states, “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.”
