Datacentre power | Landmark demo for hydrogen


INNIO Group, together with the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers, has completed a landmark, industry-first demonstration of backup power for datacentres using 100% hydrogen fuelled gas engines at the 3 MW scale. The testing was carried out as part of the Hub’s structured, collaborative approach to identifying and validating innovative technologies to enable large-scale deployment in the datacentre industry. Experts from Microsoft, Google, and Data4 witnessed the live testing to assess performance against operational datacentre requirements. This confirmed that hydrogen fuelled engines represent a promising pathway for backup and prime power needs for next generation, high demand datacentres. This testing forms part of the Hub’s structured, collaborative process to scale innovation.


gas engine technology was chosen for MW-scale validation, with the company preparing and successfully executing the test in collaboration with the Hub technical team. The Hub team includes industry partners such as Danfoss, Data4, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric, and Vertiv.


Hydrogen validation test underway. Photo: INNIO


At the Hub, datacentre industry leaders jointly define requirements for new technologies to be deployed at scale in datacentres. Following a global request for information (RFI) for low- carbon back-up solutions, hydrogen and clean fuels were selected as a pathway to substitute for diesel back-up generators. INNIO’s Jenbacher


Industry analysts anticipate that behind-the-meter and hybrid energy systems in new-build datacentres will increase from 10–20% in 2025 to 50– 60% by 2030, underscoring the need for scalable, low-carbon alternatives to


diesel-based backup systems.


INNIO Group and the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers plan to continue collaborating on scaling hydrogen power, focusing on critical enablers such as fuel availability, infrastructure, storage, permitting, dual-fuel capabilities, and integration in datacentre architecture.


VoltaGrid expands


VoltaGrid has signed agreements for a $1.0 billion strategic equity investment from funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities and Halliburton Company. Proceeds of the capital raise will be used to accelerate deployment of VoltaGrid’s behind-the-meter power generation solutions for datacentres, microgrids, and industrial applications. In addition to this investment, VoltaGrid has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Propell Energy Technology, one of its key suppliers of power generation equipment, including the proprietary high-inertia QPac system developed specifically for AI datacentres. VoltaGrid says the acquisition represents “a transformative step” in its evolution into “a fully integrated power generation platform” and will “materially reduce execution risk across VoltaGrid’s ~7.5 GW order book between now and 2030 by strengthening supply chain access


and control.” Founded in 1978, Propell has developed manufacturing capacity across several power system types, including reciprocating engines and turbines. VoltaGrid (founded 2020) will immediately invest in expanding Propell’s existing facilities in Granbury, Texas, by building two additional next- generation automated manufacturing plants. This is expected to grow its capabilities to around 300 MW per month of capacity via a combination of reciprocating engines and turbines. Earlier this year, ABB received additional large orders from VoltaGrid for data centre power projects globally “to support AI growth.” The new agreement extended the two companies’ existing collaboration (https:// new.abb.com/news/detail/130817/abb-and- voltagrid-partner-to-deliver-stable-data- center-power-to-support-ai-growth). Under the new agreement, ABB will supply a further 35 synchronous condensers with


flywheels and associated prefabricated eHouse units in addition to the 27 being supplied under the previous agreement. These systems act as “critical stabilisation assets” within behind-the-meter power systems, VoltaGrid says “enabling the voltage stability required by next-generation AI chips.” ABB’s synchronous condensers provide instantaneous inertia, support short-circuit events and maintain network voltage through reactive power management, ensuring continuous and resilient operation of high-density data centre loads. ABB’s scope also includes high-availability medium- and low-voltage distribution infrastructure and excitation systems to maximise system reliability and uptime.


Data centres accounted for approximately 1.5% of the world’s electricity consumption in 2024, with the United States responsible for around 45% of this total.


Wärtsilä looks to Texas


Wärtsilä is supplying 790 MW of off-grid piston based power to a new datacentre under construction in Texas, USA. The new power plant, employing 42 Wärtsilä 50SG engines running on natural gas, will “ensure fast access to reliable power,” says Wärtsilä. It is expected to become fully operational in late 2029. The Finnish company sees Texas as a key region for artificial intelligence model training and large-scale infrastructure buildout, with an urgent need for power that the grid cannot currently adequately provide.


Wärtsilä notes that its engines can operate at full capacity even in temperatures exceeding 100°F (38°C), critical for optimal performance in Texas. Also, with a heat rate of about 6800 Btu/kWh (approx. 50% efficiency), the recip engines promise low fuel costs and low emissions, which helps datacentre developers meet emissions requirements, enabling faster permitting. Texas offers an ideal location for large scale datacentre development, Wärtsilä believes, combining ample natural gas supply,


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extensive energy infrastructure, and rapidly expanding renewable capacity. “Texas’ energy advantages and Wärtsilä’s proven engine platform enable datacentre developers to scale with confidence. And once a datacentre gets connected to the grid, it can be used to balance the renewables in the grid.” The new power plant is Wärtsilä’s fifth datacentre related order in the USA and its first in Texas. Wärtsilä has thus far sold a total of over 2.4 GW of generating capacity for US datacentres.


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