Confidential Client, West Virginia Data Center Power and Utilities Consultation and Design Services

Burns worked with a commercial landowner in West Virginia to perform an infrastructure and on-site power assessment exploring on-site generation and grid-powered energy options for potential data center operators and tenants.

When a landowner with almost 1500 acres of property in West Virginia was approached by data center developers interested in the site and inquiring directly about potential data center applications and concerns regarding available power, they engaged the Burns Power and Utilities team to explore energy solutions. Specifically, Burns was hired to compare grid supplied electricity to several options to self-generate power using various technologies including reciprocating engines, gas combustion turbines, fuel cells and battery storage. This work included performing extensive energy and techno-financial modeling, interfacing with the electric transmission company, evaluating local natural gas pipeline capacities, quantifying available water supplies, and identifying nearby fiber optic infrastructure. Since the study’s completion, the Burns team has continued in an advisory capacity supporting the client’s go-to-market efforts.

At this and many other sites being sought after by data center developers and operators, the common concern is that the grid cannot support the ever-growing electricity demands of data centers, especially those being built for power-hungry AI applications. Although this site benefits from having high-voltage transmission lines (138kV) traversing the property, the interconnection process faces long delays and uncertain outcomes. To address this so-called “time to power” challenge, our team draws on extensive mission-critical on-site power generation and microgrid experience. We are developing and designing alternative solutions that can accelerate a site’s development.

Burns is dedicated to developing power solutions that not only meet the technical demands of the data center industry but also reflect a commitment to environmental stewardship. By integrating resource stewardship into a scalable go-to-market strategy, we help minimize project related impacts—locally, regionally, and globally. This approach enhances operational resilience and market competitiveness for our clients.