The rapid expansion of AI and cloud computing is putting unprecedented pressure on power infrastructure, forcing data center developers to rethink how they access electricity. On behalf of Rehlko, Clarke Energy’s Alex Marshall joins Transmission to unpack how surging AI demand is accelerating the shift toward onsite power generation. He explains why modular gas engines—and hybrid systems pairing batteries, CHP, and future‑ready fuels—are becoming essential for bridging slow grid connections, boosting resilience, and supporting next‑generation data center growth.

Gas engines, long proven in industrial settings, have emerged as the technology of choice due to their modularity, fast deployment, and ability to deliver immediate, reliable power at a scale that was almost unthinkable just a few years ago.

Marshall explains how projects have grown from 10–20 MW “large” installations to facilities exceeding 200 MW for data centers and up to 450 MW for grid peaking stations supporting renewable heavy power systems. Beyond speed to power, operators face a complex energy trilemma: balancing cost, carbon reduction, and resilience.

While sustainability teams push for decarbonization, engineering teams are focused on keeping facilities online, often leading to competing priorities. Gas engines, particularly when paired with batteries, combined heat and power, or future ready fuels like renewable natural gas and hydrogen, are increasingly seen as a pragmatic bridge between today’s constraints and tomorrow’s net-zero ambitions.

The conversation highlights that this shift is not about replacing the grid, but about reshaping who controls power during periods of scarcity and transition. With distributed energy, microgrids, and hybrid systems, data centers can secure resilience today while creating pathways to higher efficiency and lower emissions over time. To hear the full discussion and explore what this means for the future of data center energy, listen to the complete episode of Transmission here.