Wärtsilä powers Texas data center with 790 MW engine plant

Data centers, energy infrastructure, and industrial power systems increasingly require reliable and scalable electricity solutions to support high-performance computing and AI workloads. In this context, Wärtsilä has secured an order to supply an off-grid power generation system for a new data center under construction in Texas, United States.

The project involves a 790 MW power plant based on 42 Wärtsilä 50SG natural gas engines. The facility is designed to operate independently of the public grid, ensuring immediate access to reliable electricity in a region where grid capacity constraints limit the availability of power for large-scale infrastructure projects. The order was recorded in the second quarter of 2026.

Texas has become a key hub for AI model training and data infrastructure expansion, driving significant demand for electricity. However, grid limitations have created bottlenecks for new developments. Engine-based power generation provides a deployable alternative, allowing data centers to operate without waiting for grid expansion.

High-efficiency engine technology for continuous operation
The Wärtsilä 50SG engines are designed to operate at full capacity in ambient temperatures of up to approximately 38°C, supporting stable performance under Texas climate conditions. This capability is critical for maintaining uninterrupted operation in large-scale data centers.

With a specific fuel consumption of around 6,800 kJ/kWh and an efficiency of approximately 50%, the engines reduce fuel use and associated emissions compared to less efficient alternatives. This supports compliance with environmental requirements and can facilitate permitting processes.

Flexible and scalable power generation
The modular design of engine-based power plants allows incremental expansion of generation capacity, aligning with the phased growth of data center infrastructure. This flexibility is particularly relevant in rapidly evolving markets, where demand for computing capacity can increase quickly.

In addition, the system enables rapid load response, supporting dynamic power requirements associated with AI and cloud computing operations.

Integration with future grid and renewable energy systems
Texas offers a combination of natural gas availability, established energy infrastructure and growing renewable energy capacity. Wärtsilä’s engine technology is designed to operate alongside renewable sources, providing dispatchable power that can support grid balancing when the facility is eventually connected to the grid.

This approach allows data center operators to secure immediate power supply while maintaining compatibility with longer-term energy transition strategies.

The delivery of the engines is scheduled for 2028, with full operation of the power plant expected by the end of 2029. This marks Wärtsilä’s fifth data center-related order in the United States and its first in Texas, contributing to a total of more than 2.4 GW of power generation capacity supplied to U.S. data center projects.

Edited by Natania Lyngdoh, Induportals Editor — Adapted by AI

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