Diesel generators may shift from backup to regular use amid rising data center demand

Experts from Inlyte Energy highlighted concerns about diesel generators at data centers potentially moving from emergency backup to everyday operation, which could increase pollution and noise for nearby communities, Utility Dive reported.

A recent emergency order by the U.S. Department of Energy allowed PJM Interconnection to direct backup generators at large loads, including data centers, to run during grid stress events in October, signaling reliance on these generators beyond their traditional backup role.

This shift comes amid rising electricity demand driven by data centers and extreme weather events challenging the grid's capacity, as seen during a July heat dome when PJM reached record demand levels, according to Utility Dive.

Utility executives in Northern Virginia's Data Center Alley noted they nearly had to activate backup generators to maintain supply, underscoring the growing strain on the grid and the changing function of diesel generators from emergency to potential grid capacity sources.