13 August 2025

Anirudh (Ani) Singhania
Director - Power Generation Business
Cummins Africa Middle East & Central Asia

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the data center industry finds itself at the epicenter of a global energy transition. With the surge of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and edge deployments, the demand for power-dense, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure is pushing boundaries like never before. Amid this transformation, Cummins has emerged as a pioneer-driving innovative solutions that not only meet today’s power needs but also pave the way for a sustainable tomorrow.

Amidst this innovation is Centum Force, Cummins’ next-generation power platform featuring a compact containerized solution direct from the Cummins Factory, designed to serve the high-performance, high-reliability demands of modern data centers. It’s not just a product — it’s a blueprint for the future of resilient and sustainable data center infrastructure.

Meeting the Moment: Why Centum Force Matters Now

The launch of Centum Force comes at a pivotal time. Global power grids are under strain, and hyperscale and colocation data centers are racing to deploy faster while minimizing their carbon footprints. In many markets, particularly those with grid constraints or diesel dependency, there’s a pressing need for advanced backup power solutions that combine performance with sustainability.

Centum Force addresses this with a containerized power system-compact, modular, and scalable-built for the evolving needs of hyperscale and edge data centers. With single and twin pack solutions, and power ratings from 1.5 MW to 3.5 MW, Centum Force delivers industry-leading reliability and performance, while integrating advanced controls, digital connectivity, and lower-emission technologies.

Key Features & Value Propositions of Centum Force:

• Compact, modular and scalable: Ideal for rapid deployment, space-constrained environments, and phased buildouts.
• Fuel flexibility and lower emissions: Designed to run on conventional diesel, renewable diesel, and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil), offering up to 90% lifecycle CO2 reduction.
• Digital intelligence: Integrated controls and remote monitoring via Cummins’ PowerCommand® Cloud provide proactive diagnostics and system optimization.
• Serviceability and Reliability: Backed by Cummins’ global support network with advanced predictive maintenance features, ensuring peace of mind for mission-critical applications.

Sustainability at the Core of Innovation

Centum Force doesn’t just address operational concerns — it also positions data center operators to meet their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals with confidence.

According to the US Department of Energy 2024 Report on U.S. Data Center Energy Use, the data center industry consumes 4.4% of global electricity consumption today. As more AI workloads and high-density computers come online, that figure could rise up to 12% by 2030. Operators are under increasing scrutiny to decarbonize their infrastructure, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and adopt cleaner, more efficient technologies.

Cummins has long been committed to engineering solutions that are not only powerful but also responsible. Through our PLANET 2050 sustainability strategy, Cummins is working toward:

• Net-zero emissions by 2050
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from newly sold products by 25% by 2030
• Partnering with customers to lower Scope 3 emissions across product use

Centum Force is evidence of these goals in action. Its compatibility with low-carbon fuels like HVO and renewable diesel ensures reduced well-to-wheel emissions without requiring major infrastructure changes.

Additionally, by integrating digital technologies for performance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote control, Centum Force enables optimized fuel usage, reduced downtime, and proactive service interventions, all of which contribute to lower operational emissions and a lower carbon footprint.

Cummins’ Role in Shaping the Future of Sustainable Data Centers

For over 100 years, Cummins has been at the forefront of innovation in power systems. Today, the company is leading the charge in transforming the energy landscape for mission-critical infrastructure — including data centers.

Cummins is building a comprehensive ecosystem that supports data centers through every stage of their energy transition. Our approach is technology-agnostic, ensuring that customers can choose the right solution for their application, geography, regulatory environment, and sustainability goals. Whether it’s powering a hyperscale facility in North America, a colocation hub in the Middle East, or an edge node in Africa, Cummins is ready with robust, reliable, and responsible power solutions.

Local Commitment, Global Scale: Cummins in Africa & the Middle East

At Cummins, our commitment to customer success goes beyond delivering exceptional products — we ensure world-class support is available where and when it’s needed most. In the Africa and Middle East region, we’ve built a robust, multi-tiered support structure that operates within the same time zone as our customers, enabling faster response times and more personalized service.

Our first line of support is delivered through 24 Cummins Distribution entities strategically located across the region. These local teams provide immediate, on-the-ground assistance and are deeply familiar with the unique needs of their markets.

Backing this network is our regional factory support team, based in Dubai and Johannesburg. This team comprises senior technical application specialists and engineering leaders who are equipped to handle complex technical queries and deliver customized solutions with agility. Their proximity to customers ensures rapid turnaround and a deep understanding of regional requirements.

Crucially, the regional team maintains direct access to Cummins’ global product chief engineers, enabling seamless escalation and resolution of advanced engineering challenges.

In addition to technical expertise, Cummins offers exceptional aftermarket and commissioning support, helping customers optimize performance from day one. This proactive approach not only enhances reliability and uptime but also contributes significantly to reducing Total Cost of Ownership over the lifecycle of the equipment.
This three-tiered support model — local distribution, regional factory expertise, and global engineering access — ensures that our customers receive the highest quality of pre-sales and after-sales support, all within their time zone. It’s a testament to Cummins’ unwavering focus on being close to our customers, both geographically and operationally.

Looking Ahead: Innovation, Responsibility, and Growth

As the data center industry expands into new geographies, embraces new workloads, and navigates new regulations, its power infrastructure must evolve in tandem.
Cummins, through Centum Force and its broader portfolio, is helping shape a future where performance and sustainability go hand-in-hand. A future where data center operators don’t have to choose between uptime and environmental responsibility. A future where global expertise meets local commitment.

Whether it’s in Johannesburg, Dubai, Riyadh, Nairobi, Lagos or Cairo, Cummins is powering the digital economy with solutions that are innovative, impactful, and built to last.

Final Thoughts

Centum Force is more than a product — it’s a testament to the commitment Cummins is making to shape and power the future of data centers.

With over a century of engineering leadership, a proven track record in mission- critical applications, a bold sustainability vision, and strong local support for application and after market service Cummins is positioned as a trusted partner for the data centers of tomorrow.

Centum Force is “Power that moves with purpose.” and that purpose is crystal clear: Delivering resilient, scalable, and sustainable power for our digital world.