Rolls-Royce and Ineratec target data centres with synthetic fuels

Technology group Rolls-Royce has joined forces with Power-to-X specialist Ineratec to decarbonise backup power systems in data centres using synthetic e-fuels produced from renewable hydrogen and captured carbon dioxide.

The partnership aims to replace fossil diesel in emergency generators with a drop-in alternative that offers climate-neutral operation without sacrificing reliability. Initial efforts will focus on the German market.

Rolls-Royce Power Systems, a division of Rolls-Royce, plans to integrate Ineratec’s e-diesel into its MTU-branded emergency power systems, widely used across critical infrastructure including data centres.

“MTU emergency generators from Rolls-Royce are already approved for operation with sustainable fuels,” said Tobias Ostermaier, President of the Stationary Power Solutions business unit at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

“Customers in the critical infrastructure sector, such as data centres, who are aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, will soon be able to use e-fuels.”

Data centres are among the fastest-growing energy consumers, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence and digital services. Yet they also require uninterrupted power supplies, posing a challenge for operators looking to reduce emissions.

In 2021, German data centres are estimated to have caused 7.4 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from electricity consumption. Globally, the data centre industry is projected to emit 2.5 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent by 2030. This is roughly equivalent to 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

“The secure energy supply for AI-powered data centres is one of the defining challenges of our time,” said Maximilian Backhaus, Chief Commercial Officer at Ineratec. “Our e-fuels offer a climate-neutral solution that is scalable, dependable, and ready for immediate deployment.”

The rollout will begin in Germany, supplied by Ineratec’s Era One facility in Frankfurt. The company’s synthetic fuels are produced using renewable electricity and certified under the ISCC sustainability scheme. Global expansion is planned over time.