EcoDataCenter in Sweden relies on mtu backup generators

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

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

“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.