Natural Gas Power Generation for Data Centers

Natural gas is a common fuel for on-site power plants at data centers because it can make firm power around the clock, the U.S. pipeline network is extensive, and the equipment is well understood. The choice usually comes down to two families of machines. Reciprocating engines come in units of a few megawatts, start quickly and hold their efficiency at part load. Gas turbines, including aeroderivative and industrial frame units, pack more power into each machine and can be paired with a steam cycle for higher efficiency. Either way, the plant's heat rate sets how much fuel it burns for every kilowatt-hour.