Vantage Data Centers Partners with VoltaGrid to Deploy Gas-Fired Microgrids for Data Center Expansion

Gas-Fired Microgrids Powering Data Centers: A New Partnership Between VoltaGrid and Vantage

On February 12, 2025, the growing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers is significantly benefiting Vantage Data Centers as they expand their operations. The company recently opened new campuses in locations such as Dublin, Zurich, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and Ohio.

Vantage Data Centers, a prominent hyperscale developer and designer, has entered into a partnership with VoltaGrid, a supplier of on-site power generation, to deploy over a gigawatt of gas-fired microgrid power at new facilities throughout North America. These natural gas-fired microgrids will serve as the primary power source for Vantage’s data center campuses. This collaboration is expected to expedite the rollout of cloud-based and AI training facilities, addressing the booming demand for AI in the market.

The global rise in AI is driving a substantial increase in data center capacity within the U.S., with industry load commitments suggesting forecasts of up to 50 gigawatts (GW) in new data center constructions by the early 2030s. Dana Adams, President for North America at Vantage Data Centers, stated, “Cloud and AI technologies necessitate the rapid development of additional data center infrastructure. The sector is facing a significant challenge in securing timely power at scale. Partnering with VoltaGrid provides an ideal solution to deploy capacity in constrained power markets, meeting customer demands for innovative technologies that yield social and economic benefits.”

VoltaGrid’s engineering and deployment capabilities will reportedly enhance installation timelines. While natural gas-fired power does produce greenhouse gases, studies show it emits approximately half the carbon dioxide of utility-scale coal-fired plants, which the companies believe will help reduce permitting delays. Nathan Ough, President and CEO of VoltaGrid, remarked, “VoltaGrid’s proficiency in deploying scalable and reliable power systems aligns seamlessly with Vantage’s mission to deliver world-class data center infrastructure. Our ability to rapidly implement scalable energy solutions will redefine industry expectations and empower AI hyperscalers to expand their operations confidently.”

Vantage’s growth in data centers is reflected in its recent expansions, including campuses launched last year that collectively boast over 900 megawatts (MW) of capacity. The company has now built or initiated 35 campuses globally, totaling more than 2.6 GW in capacity. Last month, Vantage announced over $13 billion in new debt and equity investments.

In addition to Vantage’s initiatives, VoltaGrid has recently partnered with engine and gen-set manufacturer Innio-Jenbacher to develop the QPac data center power platform. The high-pressure gas injection QPac systems are designed to generate up to 200 MW of prime power for each facility.

The pursuit of on-site power solutions through microgrid technologies extends beyond data centers. Last year, Diamondback Energy and Halliburton collaborated with VoltaGrid to provide power for four electric simul-frac generators and compressed natural gas infrastructure for microgrids that will support Diamondback’s field operations.

As the leading producer of natural gas in the U.S., bolstered by directional drilling and hydraulic fracturing in shale formations like the Bakken and Marcellus, the industry is evolving. Earlier this year, Chevron announced its partnership with investor Engine No. 1 and gas turbine manufacturer GE Vernova to enhance gas-fired power plants for new data centers.

Join us at Microgrid Knowledge 2025, from April 15-17 at the Sheraton Dallas, to explore more about the advancements in the energy landscape.

About the Author
Rod Walton, Managing Editor
Rod Walton has dedicated over 15 years to covering the energy sector as both a newspaper and trade journalist. He previously served as an energy writer and business editor at the Tulsa World before transitioning to business-to-business media at PennWell Publishing. He joined Endeavor Business Media in November 2021 to help launch EnergyTech and became part of Microgrid Knowledge in July 2023. Rod holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and has worked for various publications in Oklahoma. He is married with four children and one granddaughter, all of whom he hopes will benefit from advancements in the energy transition.

Microgrid Knowledge and EnergyTech focus on addressing the needs of mission-critical and large-scale energy users, including commercial, industrial sectors, the military, universities, and data centers. These sectors collectively account for nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. As they shift their energy priorities towards achieving net-zero carbon goals, they are exploring renewable energy power purchase agreements and on-site resilience projects, including microgrids, combined heat and power, rooftop solar, energy storage, digitalization, and building efficiency upgrades.