The chief executive of Finnish energy firm Wartsila believes recent U.S. initiatives encouraging data centers to generate their own electricity will create substantial opportunities for his company’s environmentally-friendly power solutions and drive significant workforce expansion over the coming two years.
The White House announced Wednesday that it plans to convene with major technology corporations including Microsoft, Amazon and Meta on March 4 to develop strategies for shielding consumers from escalating electricity costs linked to the explosive growth of artificial intelligence data facilities.
This matter has become increasingly contentious as mid-term elections approach later this year, with mounting public concern about environmental consequences including excessive water consumption and pollution.
According to CEO Hakan Agnevall, while market demand was already robust, Wartsila anticipates expanding its data center engine delivery capabilities by 80 percent through 2028, with the new U.S. policy direction providing additional momentum for the company’s more efficient power and cooling technologies.
“So far we’ve contracted for about 1.2 gigawatts of power for datacentres,” Agnevall stated, noting “one particular situation where it was a very important factor for choosing our technology.”
Data facilities are increasingly turning to natural gas or diesel backup generators to avoid straining public power grids, though many of these systems require substantial fuel consumption and water usage for cooling operations.
The company claims its closed-loop cooling engine design uses “up to 2,000 times less water” compared to competing gas turbine systems from other manufacturers, while also producing reduced emissions and delivering fuel cost savings between 20 and 35 percent.
The Finland-headquartered corporation, which also manufactures marine engines and other products, reported missing fourth-quarter order projections earlier in February but highlighted data center business as a particularly strong performing segment.
Approximately half of the world’s data centers operate within the United States, with industry analysts projecting dramatic expansion in coming years as technology companies compete to enhance computing capabilities, creating intense competition for skilled workers.
Agnevall explained that roughly half of his company’s current revenue stems from maintaining and servicing engines after installation, with approximately 1,000 employees currently based in the United States – a workforce that could experience double-digit percentage growth over the next 24 months.
However, to ensure adequate staffing levels, the CEO emphasized the need for expanded vocational education programs across the country.
“Everybody’s looking for that type of talent,” Agnevall observed. “There is a strong demand… in the U.S., (but) there has, so far at least, been tight supply. We need more vocational training in the U.S.”
