Caterpillar to supply 2GW of gas generation for US AI data centre campus

The campus is a large-scale power and infrastructure project designed to support hyperscale and enterprise AI data centres.

Under the agreement, Caterpillar will deliver Cat G3516 Fast Response natural gas generator sets, with on-site support provided by dealer Boyd CAT.

The first phase of the project will see 2GW brought online in 2027, with equipment deliveries scheduled between September 2026 and August 2027. Further phased expansion is planned over time, with total capacity expected to reach up to 8GW.

Located on a 2,380-acre site near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, the Monarch Compute Campus is designed as a fully self-supplied, behind-the-meter power platform, generating electricity onsite without the need for incremental utility transmission or distribution infrastructure.

The project holds an existing microgrid designation from the State of West Virginia, allowing new capacity to be deployed on an accelerated timeline.

The gas generation plant will be augmented with battery energy storage systems, enabling it to manage the extreme and rapid load swings associated with AI workloads.

Caterpillar’s G3516 units can ramp from zero to full load in approximately seven seconds, making them well suited to continuous-duty data centre applications requiring high power quality and fast response.

The generators will operate on natural gas and incorporate advanced emissions controls, including selective catalytic reduction (SCR), to meet air-permitting requirements and support ultra-low emissions performance.

According to the companies, the Monarch platform is designed to have no impact on existing utility customers, with onsite generation intended to support grid reliability and resilience without increasing rates or adding costs elsewhere. Advanced monitoring and control systems will be used to ensure high availability and predictable lifecycle performance.

Alongside the equipment order, Caterpillar and AIP Corp have also entered into a strategic alliance agreement, covering phased expansion planning, operations and maintenance strategy, service readiness and long-term lifecycle support. The agreement also includes vendor equipment financing through Caterpillar Financial, aligned with delivery phasing.

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