5-MWh battery rapidly charges and discharges to stabilize data center power loads

U.S. engine and power equipment maker Cummins is deploying a battery energy storage system to help AI data centers manage rapid swings in electricity demand and stabilize their power use. The century-old firm said its power generation business has been selected to supply BESS for a large U.S. data center project. The deployment would be the company’s largest BESS project to date and is intended to meet utility requirements for handling AI-related load fluctuations. Unlike conventional backup batteries that mainly provide power during an outage, the system can rapidly charge and discharge electricity. That allows it to respond to sudden changes in demand, reduce spikes and help maintain a steadier load at the point where the data center connects to the grid. The technology is becoming increasingly important as large computing campuses consume more electricity. AI workloads can cause power demand to change rapidly, creating challenges for utilities and data center operators trying to maintain stable grid connections. Batteries smooth AI power swings Cummins’ BESS is designed for hyperscale data center applications and has a nominal capacity of 5 MWh. It uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries and liquid cooling to manage heat during operation. The system uses a flexible DC block architecture that can work with different power conversion and energy management systems. It can also be integrated with diesel and natural gas generators, allowing operators to combine battery storage with existing backup and prime-power infrastructure. For data center developers, the battery system can serve as a bridge while permanent grid connections are being developed. It can also help manage peak demand once a facility is operating, potentially allowing operators to make better use of available grid capacity. “This project is an important achievement for Cummins and reflects the confidence customers place in our ability to deliver innovative energy solutions at scale,” said Jenny Bush, president of Cummins’ Power Systems business. “As demand for data center capacity continues to grow, Cummins is well positioned to support customers with a broad portfolio of power solutions, from diesel standby and natural gas prime power to BESS and integrated microgrid solutions. This project reinforces our commitment to helping customers build reliable, resilient and increasingly sustainable power infrastructure.” 5 MWh built for resilience Cummins launched its BESS solutions in May 2025 as part of its expansion into energy storage. The company says the systems are intended to support applications ranging from bridge-to-grid power and peak-demand management to larger microgrid architectures. The BESS package includes safety and grid-integration standards such as UL 9540A, UL 9540, UL 1973, NFPA 855, IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 SA/SB. “The future of data center growth depends on finding smarter, faster ways to deploy and manage power. BESS is quickly becoming a critical part of the modern data center power strategy,” Bush said. “From bridge-to-grid applications and peak demand management to long-term resiliency, BESS gives data center operators greater flexibility to deploy, optimize and scale their power infrastructure.” As AI data centers continue to expand, batteries could become an increasingly important layer between volatile computing demand and an already constrained power grid.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.With over a decade-long career in journalism, Neetika Walter has worked with The Economic Times, ANI, and Hindustan Times, covering politics, business, technology, and the clean energy sector. Passionate about contemporary culture, books, poetry, and storytelling, she brings depth and insight to her writing. When she isn’t chasing stories, she’s likely lost in a book or enjoying the company of her dogs.