Sustainable data protection: EcoDataCenter in Sweden relies on mtu backup generators from Rolls-Royce that run on HVO fuel

Swedish data center operator EcoDataCenter has switched the fuel for its mtu emergency power generators from fossil diesel to sustainable Hydrotreated vegetable Oil (HVO), solidifying the ambition of being the leading Nordic provider of sustainable and secure data center solutions. EcoDataCenter has gradually expanded at its first major location in Falun, Sweden, and since 2017 has relied on mtu gensets from Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division for its emergency power supply.
  • 32 mtu gensets at EcoDataCenter in Falun ensure uninterrupted power supply
  • Using HVO (Neste MY Renewable Diesel), CO2 emissions are reduced by up to 95%
  • Sustainability is the name of the game: EcoDataCenter provides recovered waste heat
  • EcoDataCenter has relied on Rolls-Royce since 2017 and continues to expand with mtu products

Swedish data center operator EcoDataCenter has switched the fuel for its mtu emergency power generators from fossil diesel to sustainable Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), solidifying the ambition of being the leading Nordic provider of sustainable and secure data center solutions. Eco Data Center has gradually expanded at its first major location in Falun, Sweden, and since 2017 has relied on mtu gensets from Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division for its emergency power supply. 32 mtu systems based on Series 4000 engines are already ensuring that data from the data center’s customers is backed up even in the case of an outage from the public grid. The next 16 gensets have already been ordered for further expansion. BOS Power, as a local partner and solution provider for mtu products in Scandinavia, is significantly involved.

A commitment to sustainability

At the EcoDat Center in Falun, Sweden, 32 mtu emergency backup gensets are already ensuring that the data of the data center's customers is secured even during power outages in the public grid. To reduce the carbon footprint, the mtu emergency backup gensets were converted to HVO. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 percent*. Local pollutant emissions are also reduced: particulates by up to 80 percent and nitrogen oxide by an average of eight percent.

A commitment to sustainability

EcoDataCenter is committed to building and operating data centers that are as sustainable as possible in order to support the growing global demand for digitalization and sustainability. Excess heat from the server halls, for example, is supplied to a nearby bio-fuel factory. The data centers in Falun are the first data centers to have a frame made of sustainable cross-laminated timber (CLT). Finally, the switch from fossil fuel to HVO will further reduce the carbon footprint. By using HVO100 (Neste MY Renewable Diesel), greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by up to 95%* when emissions over the lifecycle are compared with fossil diesel. Local pollutant emissions are also reduced, with particulate matter falling by up to 80% and nitrogen oxide by an average of 8%.

Mikael Svanfeldt, CTO EcoDataCenter, explained: “Moving away from fossil fuels is one of the foundations for a successful energy transition. With mtu emergency backup gensets and HVO from Neste, we were able to implement this without having to invest in new equipment.” The sustainable fuel is expected to continue to be used as the primary fuel for any expansions the company undertakes.

Test runs confirm high performance and safety

32 mtu Series 4000 gensets from Rolls-Royce provide uninterrupted power at the EcoDataCenter in Falun. The mtu emergency backup generators run on the sustainable fuel HVO/renewable diesel. No conversion of any kind was necessary for this.

Test runs confirm high performance and safety

“Together with BOS Power and the fuel manufacturer Neste, we were able to convince EcoDataCenter, on the basis of technical analyses, documented test runs and guarantees, that our systems with HVO100 deliver the same or better performance and safety, and that maintenance intervals can be maintained. It is our strategic goal to provide our customers with reliable and efficient solutions that support them in their energy transition,” explained Tobias Ostermaier, President Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce.

Since the beginning of 2022, Rolls-Royce Power Systems has already approved 80% of its mtu diesel engine portfolio for fuels of EN15940 standard, such as sustainable HVO. For customers in the power generation sector, these are primarily the mtu Series 4000 and 1600 engines. HVO is a drop-in fuel, which means that existing diesel infrastructure can be used without any changes, and no engine hardware or software adaptations are necessary. This fuel has a significantly longer shelf life than biodiesel, which makes it even more interesting for emergency power system operators.

*The greenhouse gas emission saving varies depending on region-specific legislation that dictates the methodology for such calculations (e.g. EU RED II 2018/2001/EU for Europe and US California LCFS for the US) and the feedstock mix used to manufacture the product for each respective market.

See further information in the article Wood, HVO and a touch of Swedish romanticism: How to make data centers sustainable

Imagery is available for download from: Media Center (mtu-solutions.com)

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
  1. Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together; they meet the growing need for power generation across multiple industries; and enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power to protect.
  2. Rolls-Royce has a presence in 48 countries and customers in more than 150, comprising over 250 commercial large aero engine customers, 160 armed forces and navies and approximately 40,000 active Power Systems customers. We are committed to becoming a net zero company by 2050 and we support our customers to do the same.
  3. Annual underlying revenue was £15.4bn in 2023, underlying operating profit was £1.6bn and free cash flow £1.3bn.
  4. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69).
  5. Rolls-Royce Power Systems is headquartered in Friedrichshafen in southern Germany and employs more than 10,500 people. The product portfolio includes mtu-brand high-speed engines and propulsion systems for ships, heavy land, rail and defence vehicles and for the oil and gas industry. The portfolio also includes diesel and gas systems and battery containers for mission critical, standby and continuous power, combined generation of heat and power, and microgrids. With its climate friendly technologies, Rolls-Royce Power Systems is helping to drive the energy transition.
    www.rolls-royce.com

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