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Rolls-Royce continues its commitment to innovation and sustainability in the data center sector with the provision of two mtu Kinetic PowerPack (KPP) units for the NOVVA data center in Colorado Springs, marking a significant step forward in the evolution of critical backup power systems.
The company, through its distributor Smith Power Products, will supply two 1,500 kW KPPs for an expansion of NOVVA Data Centers, a leader in sustainable colocation solutions in the western United States. These new units add to the more than 50 MW of mtu Series 4000 diesel generators that Rolls-Royce has already installed across various NOVVA centers, thereby consolidating a long-term strategic partnership.
Kinetic PowerPack: The New Generation of Battery-Free Backup Power
Unlike traditional static UPS systems, which rely on batteries to cover the energy gap until the diesel generator starts, the KPP is a dynamic system that uses kinetic energy stored in a flywheel. This energy allows for an instantaneous response to any electrical grid interruption, maintaining critical load until the generator takes control in a matter of seconds. This design eliminates the need for batteries, leading to savings in space, costs, and maintenance for the data center operator.
Sustainability and Low Emissions as Central Pillars
One of the standout features is the compatibility of the KPP with renewable fuels such as hydro-treated vegetable oil (HVO) and renewable diesel, aligning with NOVVA’s strategy and Rolls-Royce’s own commitment to climate neutrality. Additionally, the systems incorporate an SCR catalyst that minimizes nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and feature custom enclosures and fuel tanks with a 24-hour autonomy, ensuring operational reliability even in extended scenarios.
According to Smith Power Products, NOVVA’s decision to opt for KPP was driven not only by sustainability but also by Rolls-Royce’s proven reliability and the operational benefits of a battery-free system, which is critical for the expansion in Colorado Springs and potential future growth.
International Production and Support
The new units will be manufactured at Rolls-Royce’s competency center in Liège, Belgium, and are expected to be operational by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the contract includes comprehensive local maintenance services to ensure optimal performance of the systems for at least 20 years.
Rolls-Royce and the Energy Transition of Data Centers
This announcement comes at a time when Rolls-Royce has also announced a significant investment in the United States to double the production capacity of its mtu Series 4000 generators, amid rising demand for critical energy in hyper-scale data centers and the challenge of balancing technological growth with sustainability.
The range of solutions from Rolls-Royce not only includes state-of-the-art diesel engines but also hybrid power systems, batteries, microgrids, and technologies ready for biofuels and hydrogen blends. This diversification responds to the industry’s trend, which is beginning to experiment with alternatives like hydrogen fuel cells or battery systems to replace or complement diesel generators.
Global Context and Future Vision
Rolls-Royce Power Systems, based in Friedrichshafen, Germany, with over 10,500 employees, supplies advanced engines and energy solutions for the maritime, rail, industrial, defense, oil and gas sectors, as well as for critical infrastructures like data centers.
As stated by its executives, the vision is clear: “Our products and services connect people, economies, and cultures, and enable us to address the growing energy generation needs across multiple industries. We are committed to being a carbon-neutral company by 2050 and to helping our customers move in the same direction.”
Conclusion:
With technologies like the Kinetic PowerPack and its innovative capabilities in engines and backup systems, Rolls-Royce positions itself as a key partner for data center operators looking to balance energy reliability and environmental sustainability in an era of exponential growth in digital processing and storage.
Source: rolls-royce