A Texas high-performance computing (HPC) data center project is advancing its behind-the-meter power strategy after Circe Energy secured a long-term agreement to deploy a scalable natural gas microgrid system for its AI campus development. The arrangement supports on-site generation for the West Texas facility, reducing reliance on the traditional electric grid and enabling phased energization as artificial intelligence computing demand continues to grow through 2030.
Cummins Inc. has signed an agreement with Circe Energy to supply a series of high-powered, high-efficiency natural gas generator sets to support a scalable behind-the-meter microgrid for a high-performance computing (HPC) data center in Texas.
The deal covers Cummins’ HSK78 (C2000N6CD) and QSK60 (C1400N6) generator set platforms, with deliveries scheduled from 2026 through 2030. The systems will provide prime power for Circe Energy’s AI-focused HPC data center campuses, including its West Texas development, operating as the primary on-site energy source without reliance on the traditional electric grid.
Additionally, the announcement highlights Cummins’ expanding role in the North American data center sector as developers increasingly turn to on-site generation to address grid constraints and rising artificial intelligence power demand. The company said its natural gas systems, combined with integrated microgrid controls, aim to support fast-start capability, reliability, and phased deployment for large-scale digital infrastructure.
“Data center customers are navigating a new power reality where speed, reliability, and availability are just as critical as capacity—and downtime is not an option,” said Susan Cleaver, Executive Director of Cummins Global Power Generation. “Cummins natural gas power solutions help customers meet unprecedented growth in data demand while closing utility power gaps with dependable on-site generation for large, power-intensive facilities.”
Phased energization
Circe Energy said the West Texas campus is designed as a modular platform that enables phased energization beginning in 2027. The development will use Cummins’ generator systems as the primary power source, supported by microgrid architecture and powered shell facilities designed for high-density AI workloads, liquid cooling compatibility, and long-term scalability.
“AI infrastructure depends on both power availability and delivery timing,” said Dagan Baroco, Chief Commercial Officer of Circe Energy. “Securing prime power natural gas generation solutions from Cummins, combined with our microgrid architecture and powered shell design, enables Circe to deliver scalable AI campus infrastructure on a predictable timeline while providing customers with a reliable and cost-competitive alternative to traditional grid-dependent development.”
Cummins will also provide system validation and testing through its Power Integration Center (PIC), along with operational data support, technical coordination, and long-term service through its North American service network.
Additionally, the agreement reflects a broader industry shift toward behind-the-meter power solutions for large-scale AI campuses, following similar integrated energy strategies seen in projects such as the $67.2B PORTS Technology Campus in Ohio.
Grid Constraints Drive Shift Toward Behind-the-Meter AI Power Models
Across the industry, data center developers continue to face delays tied to utility interconnection timelines and grid capacity constraints. As a result, behind-the-meter generation and microgrid systems are increasingly becoming part of large-scale AI infrastructure strategies, particularly in high-growth regions such as Texas.
“With growing demand from AI and high-performance computing, the data center industry needs energy strategies that are both reliable and adaptable,” said Zach Gillen, Vice President of Distribution Business Sales & Service, North America. “Cummins brings over 100 years of power generation expertise and is uniquely positioned to help customers deploy reliable, scalable energy solutions.”
Deliveries under the agreement will run through 2030, supporting phased buildout of Circe Energy’s AI infrastructure portfolio as demand for computing capacity continues to expand across North America.
Factsheet: Cummins – Circe Energy Texas HPC Microgrid Project
Project Type:
Behind-the-meter natural gas microgrid for AI / high-performance computing (HPC) data center campuses
Location:
Texas, United States (including West Texas campus development)
Companies Involved:
- Cummins Inc.
- Circe Energy
Project Description:
Circe Energy is deploying a scalable, behind-the-meter microgrid solution powered by Cummins natural gas generator sets to supply prime power for AI HPC data center campuses.
Generator Systems:
- Cummins HSK78 (C2000N6CD)
- Cummins QSK60 (C1400N6)
Delivery Timeline:
2026 through 2030
Energy Model:
- Behind-the-meter, off-grid primary power system
- Designed to operate without reliance on traditional utility grid power
- Integrated microgrid architecture with phased energization
West Texas Campus:
- Modular AI HPC data center development
- Designed for phased energization beginning in 2027
- Built for high-density compute and liquid cooling compatibility
Technical Scope (Cummins):
- Natural gas power generation systems
- Microgrid architecture and integrated controls
- HPC-focused system design support
- Testing and validation via Power Integration Center (PIC)
- Technical coordination with developers and engineers
- Long-term service support across North America
Industry Context:
The project reflects growing adoption of on-site natural gas generation and microgrid systems in the AI data center sector due to grid constraints, interconnection delays, and rising power demand.
Project Purpose:
To provide scalable, reliable, and phased power infrastructure for AI and high-performance computing workloads using behind-the-meter generation.
Leave a Reply