Troutman Pepper: Data centers prefer off-grid natural gas power

Troutman Pepper Locke analysts said data center builders prefer to run facilities off-grid using natural gas-fired turbines and predict eventual adoption of modular nuclear power once commercially feasible.

• Main announcement/action: Troutman Pepper Locke analysts told Upstream (April 15, 2026) that data center builders prefer off-grid energy solutions, notably natural gas-fired turbines, to ensure a more reliable supply of electricity compared with renewable sources; the firm also predicts future adoption of modular nuclear power when that technology becomes commercially feasible.
• Background and details: The comments were quoted in a recent report and article; the firm stated “More companies are looking at off-grid energy solutions at their data center sites to avoid or minimise issues associated with grid power”, and noted hyperscalers face practical issues, including access to water and supply chain pressures. The piece appeared in Upstream on April 15, 2026 and was published under the headline referencing a US Department of Energy study on AI’s jobs impact.