DCL launches cleaner backup power system for data centres

DCL has launched an emissions control system in Europe for data centre backup power systems. The product is aimed at diesel- and HVO-fuelled engines used at data centres.

The launch comes as operators face closer scrutiny of emissions from standby generators, especially during start-up and short test cycles, when pollution can be relatively high despite limited running hours.

Data centres use backup generation to maintain power during outages and to test resilience systems. Those generators are commonly diesel units, but their operating pattern differs from continuous power applications, creating a challenge for conventional exhaust after-treatment systems.

The new system is designed to cut nitrogen oxides, or NOx, during intermittent operation. It is based on DCL's Metalcor metallic catalyst substrate technology, which reaches operating temperature faster than ceramic-based designs and can begin reducing emissions earlier in an engine's run cycle.

Backup emissions

This is significant because data centre backup engines often run only for short periods rather than sustained generation. In those conditions, systems that require a longer warm-up period may deliver less real-world reduction than laboratory figures suggest.

The system uses selective catalytic reduction to lower NOx emissions. It also includes oxidation catalysts and particulate control technology to reduce hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and particulate matter from diesel-powered installations.

The launch reflects a broader issue for the European data centre sector. Growth in cloud computing and artificial intelligence workloads has increased demand for computing capacity and drawn more attention to the environmental impact of the supporting infrastructure. While much of the public debate has focused on electricity consumption and grid access, diesel backup generation has also become part of the discussion as operators try to meet internal environmental targets and prepare for tighter rules.

Several European markets are reviewing how standby power assets are regulated, particularly in urban areas where local air quality standards are a concern. Backup units remain essential for resilience, but operators are under pressure to show that systems intended for emergency use do not create avoidable emissions during testing and maintenance.

"Data center backup engines operate very differently from continuous power systems, and emissions platforms need to reflect that reality," said Khalil Saikaly, Managing Director of DCL Europe. "With our Metalcor® technology, we're able to deliver faster activation, high reliability, and measurable emissions reduction when it actually matters."

Design choices

DCL said the technology maintains conversion efficiency across a wider temperature range, which is relevant for engines operating under changing loads and high exhaust temperatures. It also said the design is compact, an important factor at data centre sites where plant space is limited.

The system will be supplied in plug-and-play modules, skid-mounted units and custom-engineered layouts for both new projects and retrofits. It uses an airless urea injection arrangement intended to reduce complexity, maintenance needs and potential points of failure.

Reliability remains a key issue in this market because backup systems are installed to protect uptime. Operators are generally cautious about adding equipment that could introduce operational risk, so suppliers often need to show that emissions controls can be integrated without affecting standby power availability.

DCL also highlighted the reuse of its metallic substrates. Metalcor substrates can be recharged and reused at the end of life, unlike ceramic substrates, which are typically discarded. This allows catalyst systems to be redeployed in other stationary engine applications if a data centre is upgraded or decommissioned.

That could appeal to operators looking to reduce waste from site upgrades, especially as data centre layouts and power systems are reworked to handle denser computing loads. Reuse and redeployment have become more relevant as operators and investors pay closer attention to the full lifecycle impact of infrastructure.

Saikaly added, "With this launch, DCL reinforces its commitment to delivering engineered solutions that balance performance, reliability, and sustainability, helping European data center operators future-proof their backup power infrastructure as demand for digital services continues to accelerate."