Rolls-Royce's Plan to Make Data Centre Grids Sustainable

As Rolls-Royce broadens its energy offerings, the newly developed fast-start mtu gas engines are equipped to handle the demands of powering AI data centres whilst providing grid stability.

Set for release in 2026, the fresh 20-cylinder mtu Series 4000 L64 engine designed for the 60Hz market, which is primarily found in North America, can reach its complete capacity of 2.8MW within 45 seconds – representing a 10% improvement over Rolls-Royce's earlier iteration.

Moreover, this isn't the sole enhancement, as the most recent model eliminates the gearbox, offering an advantage for data centre operators through additional space-efficient design possibilities.

"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 assist data centres by delivering both backup power provision and sustained power delivery when combined with mtu diesel gensets.

This creates a distinct advantage, since grid electricity can prove inadequate for accommodating new demands when a data centre goes live.

The solution from Rolls-Royce indicates that operators could potentially achieve faster activation and experience enhanced energy reliability and income from supplying electricity to the grid.

The natural gas generators offered through the mtu Series deliver an extended lifespan of 84,000 hours prior to requiring upgrades.

Clean energy solutions

Gas units deliver clean energy advantages and can lower emissions including nitrogen oxides and CO2 whilst consequently enhancing efficiency during electricity and heat or cooling generation.

The mtu gas engines are suitable for operation with sustainable fuels such as biogas and biomethane.

The engines have additionally been engineered to function with 100 percent hydrogen or hydrogen admixture, although this depends on accessible 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 currently supplying power to data centres, including SpaceDC, which is running its data centre campus using the technology from Rolls-Royce.

Throughout the UK over 500 mtu gas gensets are operational. To maintain uninterrupted availability during high intensity loads, the mtu gas engines provide support to the power grid in Alberta, Canada.

Power grids face significant pressure from large data centres and need assistance from renewable energies to achieve clean energy objectives and guarantee reliable supply.

The existing versions of the mtu Series 4000 gas gensets for 50Hz and 60Hz are accessible globally and feature a fast-start capability of 120 seconds.