A large manufacturing facility in the southern U.S. partnered with our team to replace aging, failure-prone power infrastructure with a repackaged CAT 3520 natural gas generator (2,000 kW)—the same class of asset widely used across Tier II–III data centers for standby, prime, and peak-shaving applications. For data center operators evaluating refurbished or repackaged power assets, this project demonstrates how a properly decommissioned, engineered, and recommissioned generator can deliver hyperscale-grade reliability at a fraction of new equipment cost.
Why This Matters for:
CTOs & Infrastructure Directors
- Improved uptime posture with a resilient on-site generation asset
- 25% reduction in energy costs through natural gas efficiency and peak-shaving
- Sustainability gains without compromising reliability
- A scalable, serviceable platform aligned with long-term energy strategy
Chief Engineers & Facilities/Operations Managers
- Full load-profile assessment to match the 2,000 kW unit to operational demand
- Upgraded switching, protection, and safety systems for compliance and reliability
- Seamless integration of natural gas, electrical, exhaust, and remote radiator systems
- 10-hour load bank test validating performance under real-world conditions
- Clear maintenance pathways and hands-on training for O&M teams
Procurement & Asset Managers
- Significant CapEx savings vs. new generator procurement
- Shorter lead times with ready-to-deploy repackaged inventory
- Documented chain-of-custody from decommissioning through recommissioning
- Predictable total cost of ownership with validated performance and warranty support
Cat 3520 Natural Gas Generator Installation
Project Snapshot
Asset
Repackaged CAT 3520 Natural Gas Generator
Capacity
2,000 kW
Scope
Decommissioning, repackaging, engineering, installation, commissioning, and training
Testing
Full operational validation including a continuous 10-hour load bank
Outcome
Higher reliability, lower energy costs, reduced carbon footprint, and improved operational flexibility
Results That Translate Directly to Data Center Operations
Enhanced Reliability
The facility saw a dramatic reduction in outages—mirroring the uptime expectations of Tier II–III data centers.
Lower Operating Costs
Natural gas efficiency and peak-shaving capabilities reduced energy spend by ~25%.
Sustainability Without Compromise
Emissions remained within regulatory limits, supporting ESG goals without sacrificing performance.
Operational Flexibility
The generator now supports peak demand periods and reduces reliance on volatile grid pricing—an advantage for data centers facing rising utility constraints.
Conclusion
This project demonstrates how a high-quality repackaged generator—properly decommissioned, engineered, and recommissioned—can deliver mission-critical reliability, faster deployment, and meaningful cost savings for data centers.
For operators navigating grid constraints, sustainability pressures, and tightening budgets, repackaged natural gas systems offer a proven, capital-efficient path to resilient power infrastructure.