Rolls-Royce Integrates Fast-Start Capabilities for Data Center Gensets

Beginning in 2026, Rolls-Royce will launch an updated mtu Series 20V4000 L64 engine for the 60-Hz market. With a new fast-start capability, the genset will deliver 2.8 MW in 45 seconds to power data centers and stabilize the grid. Compared to the previous model, performance has been increased by 10% and the genset does not require a gearbox, allowing data center operators to achieve notable space savings. Rolls-Royce’s fast-start engines can supply emergency power in data centers, but also continuous power in combination with diesel models.

“Especially since the energy consumption of data centers worldwide will double by 2030, our customers will need solutions from us that are efficient, sustainable, and secure,” said Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions, Rolls-Royce. “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.”

Generating continuous power is desirable when the existing grid’s power is not sufficient to support a new data center coming online, and, with an independent gas power plant, operators may come online faster with increased energy security and revenue. Currently, the 50- and 60-Hz models are available with a fast-start capability of 120 seconds and maintain long lifecycles—up to 84,000 hours before overhaul.

Gas-powered Series 4000 | Image Credit: Rolls-Royce

The gas units can minimize NOx and CO₂ emissions and improve efficiency when generating electricity, heat, and cooling. Sustainable fuels like biogas and biomethane can be used—once green hydrogen becomes available, the gensets can fire 100% hydrogen or a hydrogen admixture. Rolls-Royce is already using gas gensets to power data centers:

• SpaceDC operates a data center campus in Jakarta, Indonesia, using Rolls-Royce mtu gas and diesel systems with exhaust gas aftertreatment technology. This ensures efficient and clean baseload and emergency power supply, in addition to cooling.
• In Alberta, Canada, mtu gas engines are providing reliable power and heat supply, as well as supporting the power grid during peak loads to ensure continuous availability.
• In the United Kingdom, more than 500 mtu gas gensets are in operation.

“We expect that natural gas will increasingly be used to meet the growing energy demands of AI data centers in the future, particularly in North America, where it is relatively inexpensive and readily available,” said Kevin McKinney, Vice President Powergen Sales Americas at Rolls-Royce. “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.”

Genset Power Plant

In September, ASCO, Landmark, and Rolls-Royce have partnered to commission a 10-MW, gas engine-operated power plant with a carbon-capture system in Worksop, East Midlands, United Kingdom. For the Worksop plant, Rolls-Royce delivered six combined heat-and-power units based on its mtu Series 4000 L64FNER gas engines and will guarantee the plant’s reliable operation via a 10-year maintenance contract.

CO₂ is separated from the engines’ exhaust gases and captured by a recovery system for processing and liquefaction, with the plant expected to capture up to 30,000 tons of CO₂ per year. Once liquefied, the CO₂ is transported via tanker from the site for use in the food industry, specifically to carbonate beverages such as beer and lemonade.