How large motors and generators enable stable, scalable data centers

As data centers scale rapidly to support AI, cloud computing, and global digital infrastructure, the challenge of maintaining stable and reliable power supply is becoming increasingly complex. 

Massive growth in AI applications and the increasing use of the energy-hungry graphics processing units (GPUs) which support them are now driving unprecedented levels of electricity demand, with data centers required to transform into industrial plants running at full throttle. In fact, by 2035 data center power demand will hit 106 gigawatts, a 36% jump from a previous BloombergNEF outlook published in May 2025. Much of that growth will occur in more rural areas as facilities grow in size and sites near urban areas become scarce.

While much of the industry’s focus has been placed on energy sources and grid connectivity, we can’t afford to ignore the large industrial motors and generators which play a foundational role in enabling both the creation and expansion of data center facilities. From powering backup generation systems to driving scalable cooling infrastructure and supporting grid stability, large motors and generators are essential to reducing downtime, improving energy efficiency, and delivering operational continuity in modern data centers. 

Resilience engineered for continuous operation

One of the most critical roles of large generators in data centers is providing instant, dependable backup power. Even seconds of interruption can disrupt AI training cycles, cloud services, and latency-sensitive applications, making robust genset systems a necessity. Modern data centers rely heavily on high-capacity generating sets and gas/diesel-engine-based backup solutions, all powered by large high-voltage generators engineered for rapid response. These generators are designed to start immediately, ensuring a seamless transition when grid power fails. 

Because modern servers create significant load transients, generators must respond with precise voltage and frequency stability to protect sensitive equipment. Equally important is their ability to comply with increasingly stringent grid code requirements, enabling smooth and safe re-synchronization when utility power returns. As AI workloads intensify, these systems must also withstand wide fluctuations in demand, delivering durability under peak or emergency conditions. Large generators meet these requirements as they are engineered for continuous operation, high power density, and minimal footprint, allowing operators to scale quickly while maintaining reliability.

Cooling systems designed to scale

Cooling is another integral area in which large motors play a vital role. As GPU density grows, thermal output increases dramatically, turning cooling into one of the largest sources of energy consumption within a data center. Fans, pumps, compressors, chillers, and liquid-cooling loops all depend on large industrial motors capable of running around the clock under demanding thermal loads. Modern cooling strategies, including direct-to-chip liquid cooling and emerging immersion technologies, require motors that can operate efficiently across a wide range of speeds. 

Additionally, transitioning from traditional direct-on-line motor operation to motor systems enabled by variable-speed drives (VSDs) allows cooling output to match real-time thermal conditions, significantly improving energy efficiency. Reliability is equally crucial: overheating is among the most common causes of data center downtime, meaning motors must deliver exceptional performance in harsh, continuous-duty environments. 

Efficient motors paired with ultra-low harmonic VSDs help data center air and liquid cooling systems to precisely keep the targeted temperature and humidity levels. In countries such as Sweden and Finland, where environmental performance is a high priority, high-efficiency, VSD-driven motor systems are becoming central to sustainable data center growth.

Tailored to modern grid systems

Beyond backup power and cooling, large motors and generators are increasingly essential to grid stability as data centers transform into sophisticated power ecosystems. With the rise of smart grids, on-site generation, microgrids, and data center island mode operations, data centers are becoming more active participants in the broader energy system. 

Large synchronous condenser systems, which are powered by industrial motors and generator-rotor assemblies, help regulate voltage and support reactive power needs, strengthening local grids that may be stressed by massive data center loads. These systems are particularly valuable in rural regions where grid strength can be limited. 

Meanwhile, motors and generators equipped with advanced digital control technologies can respond dynamically to load variations, enabling data centers to support demand-response initiatives and contribute to power balancing. Integration with digital monitoring, sensors, and predictive-maintenance tools further enhances system reliability by enabling continuous optimization and early detection of potential issues.  

As a result, smart automation solutions help operators to simplify, interrogate, measure and dynamically control data center operations. In complex grid markets such as Germany and France, these technologies ensure large-scale data centers can grow without destabilizing surrounding infrastructure.

Powering the digital future

As AI adoption accelerates and data centers become increasingly central to global digital infrastructure, the need for stable, scalable power systems will only intensify. While energy sourcing and grid capacity continue to dominate public discourse, the fundamental technologies that keep data centers running are often overlooked. Large motors and generators – responsible for powering backup systems, driving cooling infrastructure, and stabilizing grid interaction – are indispensable to the growth and resilience of the digital world.

Ultimately, the story of data center expansion is not only about advanced chips, software, and cloud services. It is equally about the powerful industrial machines working continuously behind the scenes to ensure uninterrupted operation. As operators strive to build larger, smarter, and more sustainable data centers, the importance of these motors and generators will continue to grow.