Image Credit: Rolls-Royce
To meet the growing power needs of AI data centers and electrical grids worldwide, Rolls-Royce is expanding its energy technology portfolio.
The recently created fast-start MTU gas engines from Rolls-Royce are capable of meeting the demands of powering AI data centers while maintaining grid stability as the company expands its energy offerings.
The new 20-cylinder MTU Series 4000 L64 engine, scheduled for introduction in 2026, is intended for the 60Hz market, primarily in North America. It can achieve its full capacity of 2.8MW in 45 seconds, which is 10% more than Rolls-Royce’s previous version.
Furthermore, this isn’t the only improvement; the latest model does away with the gearbox, giving data center owners more options for space-efficient design.
Vice President Powergen Sales Americas at Rolls-Royce Power Systems, Kevin McKinney, says, “We anticipate that natural gas will be used more and more to meet the growing energy demands of AI data centers in the future, especially in North America, where it is relatively inexpensive and readily available.”
“This 45-second fast-start solution, delivering higher power output, marks a significant advancement for our customers in ensuring reliable energy for their operations.”
Assisting Data Centers
When paired with MTU diesel gensets, the fast-start MTU gas gensets can help data centers by providing both continuous power and backup power.
This provides a clear benefit, as when a data center goes online, grid electricity may not be sufficient to meet growing demand.
According to Rolls-Royce’s solution, operators can activate more quickly, enjoy greater energy reliability, and generate revenue by supplying the grid with electricity.
The MTU Series natural gas generators have a long lifespan of 84,000 hours before requiring an upgrade.
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Solutions for Clean Energy
Gas units offer the benefits of clean energy and can reduce pollutants such as CO2 and nitrogen oxides, improving efficiency while producing heat, cooling, and power.
Biogas and biomethane are examples of sustainable fuels that can be used with MTU gas engines.
Additionally, the engines have been designed to run on 100% hydrogen or hydrogen admixtures, though this depends on the availability of green hydrogen.
“Our customers will need solutions from us that are efficient, sustainable, and secure, especially since the energy consumption of data centers worldwide will double by 2030,” says Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.
“This is the reason why we keep on investing heavily in expanding our portfolio and in various technologies to offer our customers the best solutions for today’s but also for future requirements.”
Where have the new MTU generators been installed thus far?
Data centers, such as SpaceDC, which uses Rolls-Royce technology to run its data center campus, are currently powered by MTU gas gensets.
There are more than 500 MTU gas gensets in service in the United Kingdom. The MTU gas engines help the Alberta, Canada, power grid maintain continuous availability during high-intensity loads.
Large data centers put significant strain on power infrastructure, and renewable energy sources are necessary to help them meet clean energy goals and ensure a steady supply.
The current 50Hz and 60Hz models of the MTU Series 4000 gas gensets are available worldwide and have a 120-second fast-start time.
