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As power increasingly becomes the most important commodity in the data center sphere, more operators are turning to the “bring your own power” (BYOP) approach to address the energy gap driven by the artificial intelligence (AI)-fueled data center boom. Successful implementation of the BYOP solution relies not only on technology selection but also on the efficient orchestration of diverse stakeholders to ensure reliable power delivery while managing operational, regulatory, and sustainability risks across the supply chain, according to 451 Research analyst Perkins Liu.
Power hungry
BYOP was the hot topic at DCD Connect Virginia 2025, a key industrial event held last November. AI-focused data centers typically consume more energy than those hosting network-based and traditional compute, often due to training workloads run on graphic processing units. “Bridge power” and BYOP solutions have been tapped by operators unable to access immediate and dependable power to meet the accelerated timelines required for AI infrastructure deployments.
Bridging the gap
The concept of bridge power refers to solutions such as containerized diesels or gas generators, mobile modular gas turbines or temporary battery storage systems to address the divide between existing grid capacity and immediate power requirements.
An essential solution during short-term peak demand periods such as intensive AI training sessions, bridge power is usually integrated with microgrid controls until the primary power infrastructure, such as grid upgrades, is fully functional.
Beyond the grid
BYOP technologies featured at the DCD Connect event include modular, rapidly deployable generation systems using gas, dual fuel, and hydrogen-ready technologies. Solar Turbines and Cummins offer containerized gensets for hyperscale campuses, while Rolls-Royce Power Systems, Wärtsilä, and INNIO Jenbacher provide high-efficiency, hydrogen-compatible gas engines.
Low-carbon energy player Bloom Energy showcases fuel-cell platforms for grid-independent, low-carbon power, while Aggreko and Rehlko offer flexible microgrid solutions. Eaton, Schneider Electric, and ABB are among the vendors providing digital control environments for energy management. New trends include “power as a service” and prefabricated “power pods,” reflecting BYOP’s maturity in accelerating data center electrification.
Coordinated effort
Powering data centers via the BYOP approach is a large-scale utility project requiring coordination of the entire value chain. EPC firms and general contractors streamline schedules, manage logistics, and ensure regulatory compliance. Equipment suppliers provide modular, scalable generation and storage solutions for AI-driven loads, while solution providers and integrators deliver microgrid controls and energy management platforms that unify generation, storage, and IT systems.
Regulatory concerns
Early engagement with utilities and regulators is most crucial in order to secure the required approvals, such as fuel-handling rights for on-site generation. Operating on-site generation introduces new safety, operational and compliance responsibilities akin to those of running a utility-scale power.
A scalable solution
The DCD Connect Virginia 2025 conference highlighted the importance of early engagement with utilities, modular and hybrid-ready system design, leveraging experienced EPCs, and assessing total ownership costs and sustainability for successful BYOP initiatives. Flexible commercial models can further accelerate deployment and distribute risk, positioning BYOP as a reliable, scalable solution for AI-driven data centers.
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