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Energy solutions provider INNIO Group and the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers have completed what they describe as an industry-first demonstration of backup power for data centres using 100 per cent hydrogen-fuelled gas engines at the 3 MW scale.
The test was carried out at INNIO’s research facility in Jenbach, Austria, with technical experts from Microsoft, Google and Data4 witnessing live testing to assess performance against operational data centre requirements.
During the demonstration, INNIO’s hydrogen-fuelled Jenbacher engine was put through demanding response profiles required for mission-critical data centre operations. The testing used various AI load profiles and large, rapid load fluctuations to simulate real-world conditions.
Replacing diesel backup generators
The demonstration forms part of the Net Zero Innovation Hub’s structured process for scaling innovation in the data centre sector. The Hub brings together industry leaders to jointly define requirements for new technologies that can be deployed at scale.
Following a global Request for Information for low-carbon backup solutions, hydrogen and clean fuels were selected as a pathway to replace diesel backup generators. INNIO’s Jenbacher gas engine technology was then chosen for MW-scale validation.
The Hub’s technical team, which includes industry partners such as Data4, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Vertiv, collaborated with INNIO on preparing and executing the test.
Technical experts from the three witnessing organisations confirmed that hydrogen engines represent a viable pathway for backup and prime power needs in high-demand data centres.
Meeting the demands of AI workloads
The test comes as data centre operators face mounting pressure from AI-driven load growth. Operators are increasingly prioritising supply certainty, rapid deployment and decarbonisation as power demands escalate.
Industry analysts anticipate that behind-the-meter and hybrid energy systems in new-build data centres will increase from 10 to 20 per cent in 2025 to 50 to 60 per cent by 2030, underscoring the need for scalable, low-carbon alternatives to diesel-based backup systems.
INNIO’s natural gas engines are known for rapid start-up capabilities, strong transient response and stable performance. The company has now demonstrated that these characteristics hold when running on hydrogen.
Dr. Olaf Berlien, President and CEO of INNIO Group, pointed to the growing energy demands facing the sector.
“Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy, and their energy demands are accelerating rapidly,” Berlien commented. “This validation test demonstrates that INNIO’s technology delivers the transient performance, resilience, and flexibility data centers require, even when operating on 100 per cent hydrogen.”
A collaborative approach to scaling clean energy
Alberto Ravagni, CEO of the Net Zero Innovation Hub for Data Centers, highlighted the collaborative model underpinning the demonstration.
“This successful test validates not only a scalable clean back-up solution, but also the novel collaborative Hub approach to accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions in the data center industry,” Ravagni noted.
The Hub was established to de-risk innovation in the data centre sector by removing technical, commercial, regulatory and financial barriers. It is led by Danfoss, Data4, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Vertiv.
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Beyond backup power
Hydrogen-powered behind-the-meter solutions could serve purposes beyond backup generation. The technology offers potential for prime power applications, enabling faster data centre deployment, grid integration and grid stabilisation.
INNIO and the Net Zero Innovation Hub plan to continue collaborating on scaling the solution. The next phase of work will focus on what the organisations describe as critical enablers, including fuel availability, infrastructure, storage, permitting, dual-fuel capabilities and integration within data centre architecture.
The successful 3 MW demonstration represents a step toward proving that hydrogen can function as a practical replacement for diesel in data centre backup power systems.
Last Updated on April 24, 2026 by Nick Ross
