Onsite Power for Data Centers: Why Hyperscalers are Securing Dedicated Power Solutions

Published August 6, 2026

Twilight power substation connected to modern data center

Onsite power for data centers is electricity generated at or near the facility it serves, rather than delivered over the utility grid. As AI drives U.S. data center demand toward as much as 17% of national electricity by 2030 and the grid is increasingly constrained, operators are turning to onsite power for the speed, reliability, and energy independence the grid simply can’t deliver on their timeline.

The big question behind the demand headlines

The conversation about AI and data center growth has largely focused on power demand: how many gigawatts and how fast? In the U.S., data centers are projected to more than double, from 31 GW in 2025 to 66 GW in 2027 according to Goldman Sachs Research. Looking further out, EPRI projects data centers could consume as much as 17% of all U.S. electricity by 2030, up from approximately 4% today. The big question the industry is now asking: where will that power come from, and who can deliver it on the timelines this build-out requires?

Why are data centers turning to onsite power?

Increasingly, the answer is onsite power. The grid is becoming increasingly constrained. Bank of America projects that data center demand will outpace planned U.S. utility capacity additions by more than 100 GW through 2030, leading its analysts to conclude that “the market is no longer constrained by demand; it is constrained by where power can actually be delivered.” With power availability now the focus, the industry frames the challenge as a race for speed to power. Given that the tolerance for downtime in AI infrastructure is effectively zero, power that is fast, reliable, and independent of the grid is a priority. It can be a deciding factor in whether a new data center project gets built at all.

From ambition to operation: who can actually deliver

The shift from grid expectations to onsite power is underway: according to Cleanview, roughly a third of currently planned U.S. data centers are being designed to run behind the meter (BTM), generating their own power on site rather than waiting on the grid. It changes the conversation from talking about onsite power’s potential to actually developing, delivering, and operating it. This is complex power infrastructure work, requiring experts to navigate permitting, gas supply, and tenant-specific engineering – just to name a few – diligently, flexibly, and tailored to each project environment.

Ameresco is concentrating on onsite solutions alongside developers, operators, hyperscalers, and capital providers across the data center ecosystem. As announced in its Q2 2026 earnings, Ameresco has advanced projects representing more than a gigawatt of power generation and added three new data center projects, bringing its total awarded data center projects to five in addition to the Lemoore Data Center, which is under development in its energy assets portfolio. That momentum is grounded in a well-regarded track record delivering critical power systems for the federal government, utilities, and industry.

Reliable power takes a diversified approach, not a single product

There’s not one specific power technology that solves the power challenge. Data centers are seeking reliable power for the sake of uptime. The answer to serving these loads increasingly integrates technologies such as reciprocating engines, gas turbines, fuel cells, battery energy storage systems, and microgrid controls into one system, with renewables and, where appropriate, pathways to nuclear added over time. The power that will drive the AI economy forward will be diversified, integrated, and tailored to the specific site, not anchored to a single approach.

Discipline is a strategy, not a limitation

Ameresco remains highly focused and selective about partners, projects, and ultimately providing reliable power with a full lifecycle approach. The awarded work represents only a portion of what’s actively in development, and data center power demand continues to outpace supply. Ameresco has the discipline and capability to execute on the right opportunities in a market that’s this dynamic. The AI economy’s next chapter will be written by whoever can reliably power it.

Why are hyperscalers seeking onsite power solutions for data centers?

Data center operators and hyperscalers are increasingly pursuing onsite power solutions because AI infrastructure requires electricity that is fast, reliable, and independent of the grid. As power availability becomes a primary challenge, onsite power can help support development timelines and operational reliability.

Why is onsite power becoming important for AI data center growth?

Onsite power is becoming important for AI data center growth because grid constraints are shifting the industry’s focus to speed to power. Access to reliable electricity can be a deciding factor in whether a new data center project gets built, making dedicated power infrastructure increasingly valuable.

How much electricity could U.S. data centers use by 2030?

U.S. data centers could consume as much as 17% of all electricity in the United States by 2030, according to EPRI projections. This increase from approximately 4% today reflects growing AI and cloud computing demand and is intensifying the need for reliable power sources.

What is behind-the-meter power generation for data centers?

Behind-the-meter power generation allows data centers to produce electricity onsite rather than relying exclusively on utility-supplied power. Roughly one-third of planned U.S. data centers are being designed to operate behind the meter, helping address power availability and deployment challenges.

What challenges must be solved to deliver onsite power for data centers?

Onsite power projects require expertise in permitting, gas supply, and tenant-specific engineering, along with the ability to adapt to each project’s environment. Successfully developing, delivering, and operating onsite power infrastructure requires diligent execution and specialized capabilities.

How is Ameresco supporting onsite power for data centers?

Ameresco is working with developers, operators, hyperscalers, and capital providers across the data center ecosystem to advance onsite power solutions. As announced in its Q2 2026 earnings, Ameresco has advanced projects representing more than a gigawatt of power generation and added three new data center projects, bringing its total awarded data center projects to five in addition to the Lemoore Data Center, which is under development in its energy assets portfolio.

What technologies are being used to provide reliable power for AI data centers?

Data center power systems are increasingly combining multiple technologies because no single solution can address all power requirements. Ameresco notes that reciprocating engines, gas turbines, fuel cells, battery energy storage systems, and microgrid controls are part of diversified and integrated power strategies.

Why is a diversified power strategy important for data centers?

Data center operators are adopting diversified power strategies because reliable uptime depends on integrating multiple technologies rather than relying on a single power source. The power supporting the AI economy will be diversified, integrated, and tailored to the specific requirements of each site.