India’s booming data centre industry, combined with ambitious net-zero targets, is driving the demand for reliable and sustainable energy solutions. Cummins India is addressing this through advanced gensets, hybrid systems, and scalable energy storage technologies. In this interview, Jameson Mendonca, Power Generation Business Leader, Cummins India Ltd, discusses innovation, sustainability, and Cummins’ roadmap to Destination Zero.

Could you give us an overview of Cummins Power Systems in India and its core offerings?

Cummins India Limited, established in 1962, is a pioneer in diesel engine manufacturing and has built a reputation for durable and reliable power solutions over six decades. With 60+ years of innovation, global presence, 24x7 service support, digital solutions, and market-ready products, we are committed to delivering the right technology at the right time.

Cummins operates through five business units—Engine, Power Systems, Components, and Distribution—offering fully integrated solutions. Our “Power of One” philosophy integrates sales, after-sales, and components under one umbrella. With seven manufacturing facilities, including a 225-acre campus in Phaltan, Maharashtra, we drive synergies through co-location.

Our Power Systems division designs and manufactures generator sets from 7.5 kVA to 3750 kVA and high-horsepower engines from 700 HP to 4500 HP for marine, rail, defence, and mining. The portfolio also includes transfer switches, paralleling switchgear, and controls for standby, prime, and continuous power. Our gensets are compliant with CPCB IV+ and CAQM standards, reflecting our strong commitment to sustainability. From compact residential models to heavy-duty industrial units, Cummins provides efficient, reliable, and greener power solutions for diverse needs.

With India’s data centre capacity expected to nearly double by 2026, what challenges does the sector face in ensuring reliable and sustainable power supply?

India’s data centre capacity is projected to nearly double by 2026, fueled by cloud adoption, AI workloads, and rapid digitalization. However, grid reliability remains a concern in several regions. Securing access to clean energy at scale continues to be a challenge due to limited renewable integration, the high cost of round-the-clock green power, and regulatory complexities across states. Addressing these challenges will require significant investments in energy-efficient infrastructure, innovative storage solutions, and stronger collaboration with policymakers to enable reliable green energy access.

At Cummins, we see this pivotal moment as an opportunity to innovate with purpose. Our Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is designed as a crucial enabler in this transition, providing a reliable, scalable, and sustainable foundation for the energy ecosystem of tomorrow.

How does the QSK60-G29 generator, with its advanced turbocharging system, address uptime and efficiency needs in data centres?

The QSK60-G29 is a 60-litre, 16-cylinder, V-type electronic engine designed for prime power in hyperscale and colocation data centres. With ratings from 2000 kVA to 2500 kVA, it is equipped with an HE800 turbocharger featuring a titanium impeller that enhances both performance and durability.

It is engineered to perform in high ambient and altitude conditions while delivering fuel efficiency through an optimised injection system and camshaft design. Reinforced pistons and power cylinder components withstand high pressures and temperatures, ensuring reliability. Its compact design simplifies installation, reduces costs, and maximises output in limited spaces.

Cummins’ modular BESS solutions are being positioned as safe and cost-effective. How are they optimised for critical applications like data centres?

India’s energy mix is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by ambitious climate commitments, rapid adoption of renewables, and a strong national focus on clean and inclusive growth. At Cummins, we view this pivotal moment as an opportunity to innovate with purpose. Our Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is a crucial enabler in this transition, offering a reliable, scalable, and sustainable foundation for the energy ecosystem of tomorrow.

The BESS is a state-of-the-art energy storage solution, purpose-built to support India’s clean energy transition and strengthen the reliability of the country’s power infrastructure. As demand for reliable power continues to grow across industries, customers are increasingly seeking smarter ways to manage energy costs and improve power quality. Backed by our global expertise, Cummins’ BESS solutions address these evolving needs while supporting our customers’ sustainability goals. Combined with the assurance of our world-class service and support network, we remain committed to delivering dependable energy solutions that empower long-term success.

These systems also enable seamless integration of clean, renewable, and intermittent sources like solar and wind with existing power infrastructure. This ensures customers can maximise renewable energy use while optimising costs through peak shaving and energy shifting.

With data centres projected to demand 40–45 TWh of additional power by 2030, how can growth be balanced with India’s decarbonisation targets?

Diesel gensets will continue to be indispensable as reliable backup solutions to meet rising power demands and ensure uninterrupted uptime. At the same time, global forums are actively discussing the shift toward greener pathways, with data centres worldwide exploring solar integration, renewable-backed grids, and hybrid solutions as part of their sustainability roadmaps. In this context, India’s data centre sector stands at a defining inflection point—balancing the need for resilient backup power with the responsibility of advancing toward greener, more sustainable energy solutions in the age of AI.

Our journey toward Net Zero by 2050 is anchored in a clear set of priorities. We are focused on delivering an end-to-end supply chain process that ensures efficiency and sustainability across every touchpoint. At the same time, our products are continuously built and improvised to fit market requirements, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions through Bridge Technologies. Building on this foundation, our CAQM-compliant products, CPCB IV+ gensets, and the recently launched Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)—delivering zero-emission power—are strong steps forward in our Destination Zero strategy.

How do Cummins India’s operations in BESS and next-gen systems support the global Destination Zero vision?

Our Destination Zero strategy focuses on sustainability across the product lifecycle, from design to disposal. In India, this translates to advanced gensets, hybrid technologies, and BESS that deliver efficiency while cutting emissions.

Our CAQM-compliant gensets, CPCB IV+ portfolio, and newly launched BESS are key steps in this journey. Together, they reflect our commitment to enabling cleaner, more sustainable power for our customers in line with Cummins’ global roadmap.

Looking ahead to 2030, how do you see energy storage and hybrid systems shaping India’s renewable-driven infrastructure growth?

Our global commitment to decarbonization, combined with our strong and enviable legacy in India, places us in a unique position to lead India’s transition to zero emissions by 2070. Driven by the urgency of climate change and with a clear focus on action, we are advancing our journey of powering a cleaner and greener India.

The genset industry is poised for growth and innovation with the adoption of hybrid power solutions, off-grid applications, and emerging markets. These developments create unique opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and reliability while addressing global energy challenges. At Cummins, our Destination Zero strategy reflects this direction—delivering solutions that meet diverse customer needs while adopting a holistic approach to sustainability across the entire product lifecycle. 

Our products are continuously enhanced to fit market requirements, improving fuel economy and reducing emissions at every level through Bridge Technologies. While the low-carbon energy sources like solar and wind have their own downsides like intermittent nature and reliability, Cummins offers solutions like BESS that helps overcome some of the issues with these power sources. In addition, Cummins is also heavily invested in working on other storage technologies involving H2 with Electrolyzer and H2 ICE (Internal combustion engines)/Fuel cell technologies that help in mitigating the intermittent nature of the green sources.