INNIO and KMW Strengthen Grid Reliability and Data Center Power Supply With 54-MW Peaking Power Plant
INNIO Group has announced the signing of a major contract with Kraftwerke Mainz-Wiesbaden AG (KMW) to develop a new 54-megawatt (MW) peaking power plant that will play a vital role in ensuring grid stability and reliable energy supply in the city of Mainz, Germany. The project represents a forward-looking partnership aimed at combining energy efficiency, sustainability, and digital infrastructure resilience as Europe continues its transition toward a low-carbon energy system.
Under the agreement, INNIO will provide twelve state-of-the-art modular energy systems that will collectively deliver up to 54 MW of power. These systems will operate at the new facility being developed by KMW, forming a cornerstone of Mainz’s regional energy strategy. A portion of the plant’s generation capacity will be dedicated to supporting the “Green Rocks” data center, an advanced facility currently being built by KMW in collaboration with Norwegian data center operator Green Mountain. This new data center is expected to serve as a key digital hub for Europe, offering secure and sustainable computing services for industries such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics.
The power plant is scheduled to begin operations by the end of 2027. Once operational, it will not only provide peaking power to stabilize the regional grid during high-demand periods but will also act as a critical energy reserve for the Green Rocks data center in the event of grid disruptions. This dual role ensures that essential digital infrastructure remains online, even during blackouts, reinforcing both energy and data security for businesses and public institutions dependent on continuous power availability.
KMW board member Oliver Malerius emphasized the strategic importance of this collaboration, noting that the partnership represents a key milestone for the energy and technology landscape of Mainz. “The partnership between INNIO and KMW is a strategic milestone for energy supply in Mainz,” said Malerius. “It combines efficiency with future viability and is designed to support the operation of our data center even in the event of a blackout. This project exemplifies how traditional utilities and modern technology companies can work together to create a resilient and sustainable energy ecosystem.”
The project’s emphasis on decentralized and modular power generation reflects the growing global trend toward localized energy solutions that reduce reliance on centralized grids. INNIO’s modular systems are designed for flexibility, enabling operators to ramp output up or down according to real-time power needs. This adaptability makes them ideal for integration with variable renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, helping to balance supply fluctuations and maintain grid stability.
Thomas Seeber, Managing Director of Sales for Data Centers at INNIO Group, highlighted the broader implications of the partnership for Europe’s digital and energy future. “With our innovative energy solutions, we secure the power supply for critical infrastructure and data centers, enabling dynamic AI development not only in the U.S., but also right here in the heart of Europe,” Seeber said. “Reliable power is essential for the continued advancement of AI, cloud computing, and other energy-intensive technologies, and our systems ensure that these sectors can operate without interruption while aligning with sustainability goals.”
INNIO’s advanced energy systems being deployed at the KMW facility provide a significant environmental advantage compared to traditional diesel backup generators. The units are engineered to produce up to 95% lower nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, helping to minimize local air pollution and improve overall environmental performance. In addition, the systems are designed with “Ready for H₂” capabilities, meaning they can operate on hydrogen or hydrogen-blended fuels in the future as hydrogen becomes more widely available and cost-effective. This future-proof design supports both KMW’s and INNIO’s long-term commitment to decarbonization and aligns with Germany’s national hydrogen strategy.
The collaboration also demonstrates how partnerships between energy technology companies and utilities are evolving to meet the needs of the digital era. Data centers, which are critical to supporting global information networks and the rapidly expanding field of artificial intelligence, are among the most energy-intensive facilities in the world. Ensuring that they can operate reliably while reducing carbon emissions is a growing challenge for energy providers. Projects like the INNIO–KMW power plant offer a model for how sustainable, flexible generation can be combined with cutting-edge digital infrastructure to create a resilient, low-emission energy system.
By leveraging decentralized power generation, the Mainz facility will be capable of responding rapidly to changes in demand or grid conditions, helping to prevent outages and optimize energy efficiency. The modular design of the INNIO units means that they can be scaled or upgraded as energy needs evolve, providing long-term flexibility for both KMW and the Green Rocks data center.
This initiative is part of a broader move by INNIO to expand its footprint in the European data center energy sector. The company has developed a portfolio of solutions tailored to the unique needs of data centers, including combined heat and power (CHP) systems, hydrogen-ready engines, and energy storage integration. These technologies are designed to provide not only reliability and sustainability but also operational efficiency through intelligent control and digital monitoring systems.
For KMW, the project aligns with its strategic vision of transforming Mainz into a hub for sustainable energy and digital innovation. By integrating renewable-ready power generation with data infrastructure, KMW aims to strengthen regional energy independence while contributing to Germany’s climate targets. The company’s collaboration with Green Mountain, known for its focus on environmentally sustainable data centers, underscores this shared commitment to decarbonization.
When completed in 2027, the new 54-MW peaking power plant will stand as a showcase of innovation, resilience, and sustainability in the energy sector. It will illustrate how utilities and technology providers can work together to create future-ready systems that safeguard both the power grid and the digital economy. Through this partnership, INNIO and KMW are not only enhancing local energy security but also setting a precedent for how Europe can build the next generation of clean, reliable, and flexible energy infrastructure to power its digital transformation.
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