COLUMBUS — Cummins Inc. announced a major new agreement to supply high-horsepower natural gas generators as the primary power source for a massive high-performance computing data center in Texas.
The Columbus-based engine and powertrain manufacturer finalized the deal with Circe Energy. Under the agreement, Cummins will provide a prime power, on-site microgrid solution for Circe’s computing data center in West Texas.
The multi-year project will feature a combination of Cummins HSK78 (C2000N6CD) and QSK60 (C1400N6) high-horsepower natural gas generator sets. Equipment deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year and will scale up through 2030.
The tech sector’s rapid expansion—fueled by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and cloud computing—has put an unprecedented strain on the traditional U.S. electrical grid. Data centers consume immense amounts of electricity, and tech firms are increasingly facing years-long delays waiting to connect to regional utilities.
By utilizing an independent natural gas microgrid, Circe Energy can bypass local grid capacity limits, establish reliable 24/7 power, and secure the rapid-start backup capabilities essential for sensitive data infrastructure.
Susan Cleaver, Executive Director of Cummins Global Power Generation business, highlighted how the company’s gas-powered tech is evolving to meet the needs of the modern digital landscape.
“Data centers require an astonishing amount of highly reliable energy to keep up with modern computing demands,” Cleaver said. “Our natural gas power solutions are uniquely positioned to close utility power gaps with dependable, on-site generation for large, power-intensive facilities like this one.”
The project relies heavily on two of Cummins’ most robust high-horsepower natural gas generator platforms, both manufactured and engineered with significant input from Cummins’ specialized Indiana facilities:
- The HSK78 Series: Built to deliver up to 2.0 megawatts (MW) of power per unit, the HSK78 is designed to run continuously under extreme environmental conditions. Its fuel-flexibility allows it to run efficiently even on low-BTU or high-altitude gas sources, making it a perfect fit for the harsh, arid climate of West Texas.
- The QSK60 Series: Offering up to 1.4 MW of gas-powered output, the QSK60 is known across the industry for its quick-start capabilities and low emissions profile. It serves as a reliable cornerstone for high-load industrial microgrids.
The selection of West Texas for Circe Energy’s facility aligns with a broader national trend. While Northern Virginia historically held the title of the world’s data center capital, Texas has quickly become a primary expansion frontier for data infrastructure developers.
West Texas provides an ideal backdrop for these developments due to cheap land, a business-friendly regulatory framework, and ready access to abundant, low-cost natural gas directly from the Permian Basin. By positioning the generators next to the source of natural gas production, companies can insulate themselves from both electric utility rate spikes and regional blackouts.
Financial terms and the exact total wattage capacity of the final Circe Energy microgrid installation have not yet been publicly disclosed by Cummins.
