BY MIRABLE ODETA
A renewed push in the United States for data centers to generate more of their own electricity is expected to drive demand for cleaner and more efficient energy technologies, offering a significant boost to Finnish energy company Wartsila. The company’s chief executive, Hakan Agnevall, said the shift could help underpin a double-digit percentage increase in hiring of service personnel over the next two years as installations expand and require ongoing maintenance.
The policy momentum comes as the White House announced it would convene leading technology companies on March 4 to develop a strategy aimed at shielding consumers from rising electricity costs linked to the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence-focused data centers. Firms expected to participate include Microsoft, Amazon and Meta Platforms, all of which are heavily investing in AI infrastructure that requires vast computing power and, consequently, large amounts of energy.
The soaring energy appetite of AI data centers has become a politically sensitive issue ahead of U.S. midterm elections later this year. In addition to concerns about higher power bills for households, environmental questions are gaining prominence. Critics and policymakers alike are scrutinizing the water consumption, emissions, and broader ecological footprint associated with powering and cooling these facilities.
Against this backdrop, Wärtsilä sees an opportunity. Agnevall said that although demand for the company’s energy solutions was already robust, it now expects to increase its delivery capacity for data center engines by 80% by 2028. The anticipated regulatory and policy changes in the United States would further strengthen demand for its more energy- and water-efficient systems, which are marketed as lower-emission alternatives to traditional gas turbines.
“So far we’ve contracted for about 1.2 gigawatts of power for data centers,” Agnevall said, noting that in at least one major case the environmental and efficiency profile of Wärtsilä’s technology was a decisive factor in winning a contract.
Data centers often rely on gas or diesel generators to provide backup power, ensuring uninterrupted operations and reducing strain on local electricity grids. However, these backup systems can consume substantial amounts of fuel and water, particularly when it comes to cooling. Wärtsilä says its closed-loop cooling system dramatically reduces water usage — by as much as 2,000 times less than comparable gas turbines — while also cutting fuel costs by between 20% and 35% and lowering overall emissions.
Earlier this month, the Finland-based company, which also supplies engines to the marine industry and other sectors, reported fourth-quarter orders below market expectations. Nevertheless, executives highlighted data centers as a bright spot within the broader business portfolio, pointing to accelerating demand tied to AI infrastructure growth.
The United States accounts for roughly half of the world’s data centers, and expansion is expected to accelerate sharply in the coming years as technology firms race to scale up computing capacity. This growth is also intensifying competition for skilled workers capable of installing, operating, and maintaining complex energy systems.
Agnevall said about half of Wärtsilä’s revenues currently come from servicing its installed engine base, underscoring the importance of after-sales support. The company employs approximately 1,000 staff in the United States, and that number could rise by a double-digit percentage over the next two years as new projects come online and require ongoing technical support.
However, he cautioned that labor shortages could constrain growth if not addressed. To ensure an adequate pipeline of qualified workers, Agnevall called for expanded vocational training programs across the country. Technical skills in mechanical, electrical, and energy systems are in particularly high demand.
“Everybody’s looking for that type of talent,” he said, emphasizing that while demand for skilled workers in the United States remains strong, supply has so far been tight. “We need more vocational training in the U.S.”
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