With power demands for AI continuing to surge, data center operators are fighting to secure power quickly and reliably. The journey, however, doesn’t always now start with the grid.
Historically, developers selected a site based on fiber connectivity, line availability, incentives, and access to a strong workforce. Now, according to Cummins VP for power generation, Stiven Smith, grid connection delays have led to a wide industry rethink.
“The first question developers ask now is ‘how quickly can I secure power?’ When the grid tells them they need to wait five to seven years, they decide to take things under their own control,” he explains during a recent DCD>Talk. “The trend is: let’s secure power now and connect to the grid later.”
Cummins specializes in diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators. Smith is responsible for leading a team to solve prime power needs using natural gas and microgrids, integrating solar panels and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
"The ‘bring-your-own-power’ model is paramount. You can decide when to turn it on, how to maintain it, and how to scale it"
