Power Onward

When power demands get more complex, the answer isn’t more technology—it’s smarter integration.

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Lucio Kroll and Aaron Gold about how BESS, generator sets, renewables, controls, and the grid can work together to create more flexible, reliable power systems.

From testing integrated systems at Cummins’ Power Integration Center to cutting diesel use, reducing outage risk, and supporting data center and AI loads, Lucio and Aaron explore how integrated power strategies can improve reliability, lower costs, and meet growing energy demands.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why BESS works best alongside generators, renewables, and the grid
• How BESS can cut fuel use, smooth peaks, and reduce outage risk
• Why data centers and AI are driving demand for faster, more flexible power

Additional Resources:

• Cummins Microgrids
• Cummins BESS webpage 
• Why battery storage is now essential to microgrid development
• Cummins Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) commissioned in Dubai
• Key tips to help understand battery energy storage systems
• Power Onward podcast: Beyond your average household battery
• What are battery energy storage systems?
• How BESS is driving grid stability, supporting renewables, and accelerating the Middle East region’s clean energy goals
• In-Depth exploration of Cummins Microgrid testing lab, the Power Integration Center (PIC)

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(00:13) Designing power systems for a changing energy landscape

(00:58) 3 things to know about BESS today

(02:27) Why integration matters more than choosing a single technology

(03:38) Solving reliability, sustainability, and cost challenges together

(06:38) How the Power Integration Center proves complex systems will work

(10:43) Turning energy independence into a competitive advantage

(13:51) How BESS creates business value beyond backup power

(17:36) Pairing BESS with generators and solar for greater efficiency

(19:51) Cutting diesel consumption by 67% with a small BESS

(20:53) Why integration and flexibility will define the future of power

(22:48) Data centers, AI loads, and the need for millisecond response

(24:43) Start with the customer problem, not the technology

Mining is behind almost everything we use, yet few people ever see what it takes to keep it moving.

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Gbile about how mining has challenged Cummins to innovate for more than 100 years. From powering early excavators to today's largest haul trucks, they explore how customer partnerships, dependable technology and global support continue to shape the future of mining.

Hear how changing customer expectations, automation, data insights and lower carbon solutions are influencing the next generation of mining equipment while reliability remains the foundation of every operation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why reliability matters more than ever in modern mining operations
• How automation and data are changing the way mines operate
• What pathways Cummins is pursuing to support mining's lower carbon future

Additional Resources:

• Cummins: A century of digging deep
• Cummins timeline: 100 Years in Mining
• Cummins mining: a powerful legacy
• PrevenTech® for Mining
• Cummins acquires First Mode assets for decarbonization leadership in mining
• Cummins deploys first commercial hybrid-electric ultra-class mining haul truck in operation at Lundin Mining’s Caserones Copper Mine
• How the QSK95 is redefining ultra-class mining productivity
• Power Onward episode: If you can’t grow it, you have to mine it
• YouTube: Mining playlist

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(00:59) Celebrating 100 years in mining

(03:00) Why mining became Cummins' ultimate proving ground

(05:03) The innovations that shaped a century of mining

(07:02) Why partnerships remain Cummins' greatest strength

(09:58) How today's mines look different from the past

(12:50) What miners are asking for today

(15:08) The road to lower carbon mining solutions

(17:30) Why mining will remain essential for the future

Most people never think about uptime until something stops working.

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Erica and Robert about what it takes to keep critical operations running across the globe. From hospitals and mines to data centers and offshore platforms, they explain how service teams, predictive technology, and local expertise help customers stay online when the stakes are high.

The conversation explores how Cummins blends global standards with regional flexibility, why AI is helping technicians move faster, and what customers really expect when downtime becomes unavoidable. Erica and Robert also share how field experience shapes everything from engineering decisions to customer response times.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How predictive maintenance helps customers avoid costly downtime
• Why local expertise matters across global service operations
• How AI supports technicians without replacing human experience

Additional Resources:

• Cummins sales and service
• Find a Cummins location near you for dependable support
  
  

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(00:13) Why uptime matters across critical industries

(01:00) From vendor to a trusted partner

(02:37) Service experiences shape long-term customer trust

(03:34) Predictive analytics and preventing downtime

(05:25) Consistent support across 190 countries

(07:31) Balancing global standards with local customer needs

(10:20) Field experience changes how teams support customers

(12:29) How AI is improving troubleshooting and service response

(15:15) Addressing fears around AI in the workplace

(17:28) Why people remain Cummins’ biggest advantage

AI may move at digital speed, but the infrastructure behind it does not.

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Patricia and Dawn about the growing pressure data centers are putting on the power grid. As AI adoption accelerates, data centers are demanding more power than existing infrastructure was ever designed to handle. Patricia and Dawn break down what is driving that surge, why utilities are struggling to keep pace, and how the industry is rethinking the role of power in modern data centers.

The conversation explores how data center operators are adapting in real time through bridge-to-grid strategies, onsite generation, and new approaches to reliability. Patricia and Dawn also share how Cummins is helping customers navigate fast-changing energy demands with dependable power solutions, deep technical expertise, and global support.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why AI growth is reshaping how data centers are powered
• How bridge-to-grid strategies are changing energy planning
• Why reliability and adaptability matter more than ever for data center operators

Additional Resources:

• Market trends shaping data center strategy in the age of AI
• Beyond innovation: How partnership and integration are powering the data centers of tomorrow
• Addressing constrained grids with onsite generation
• Power Onward podcast: Keeping the cloud and planet online
• Powering data centers at Cummins
  
  

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(01:15) Evolution of data center power

(04:30) Why the grid was not built for AI demand

(06:24) What bridge-to-grid power solutions actually mean

(08:00) How data centers can support the grid during peak demand

(11:26) The ripple effects of data center growth on communities

(15:30) Will AI demand outpace power availability?

(17:00) Why natural gas is becoming part of the conversation

(18:30) Can emerging technologies close the power gap?

(21:00) Power is reshaping where data centers get built

(27:00) The future of data centers and power

Heavy-duty engines are no strangers to hard work. Every mile, every load, every job depends on performance that holds up in the real world.

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Adam Whitney, GM Regional Fleet Sales, North America, and Brad Sutton, Executive Director, Powertrain Engineering, to look at what keeps fleets moving and why the X15 continues to earn its place on the road. The conversation moves beyond the engine itself into the full powertrain, where integration, data, and real-time insight shape how trucks perform day to day.

Adam shares what customers ask for when they spec a truck and why uptime, fuel efficiency, and total cost of ownership still define success. Brad explains how powertrain integration pushes performance further, from fuel savings to driver safety, and how data is changing the way fleets plan, maintain, and operate.

This episode shows how Cummins supports customers across the full lifecycle, from initial spec to long-term optimization. These efforts help fleets move everything from food to fashion — keeping shelves stocked and supply chains flowing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How predictive diagnostics help fleets plan maintenance before issues disrupt operations
• Why full powertrain integration can unlock measurable gains beyond engine limits
• How data insights guide fleets to operate equipment more efficiently and safely

Additional Resources:

• Rising to the challenge: Cummins 2027 X15
• Exploring Cummins X15
• The X15 Legacy: 25 years of innovation
• Cummins takes Forever Rising Tour nationwide after strong customer response
• Getting more with less: 2027 Cummins Connected Solutions
• Cummins Engines
  
  

Videos:

• Cummins 2027 X15 engine walkaround
• Forever Rising: The 2027 X15
• Forever Rising Tour | Nashville, TN
• Forever Rising Tour | Louisville, KY
• Forever Rising Tour | Atlanta, GA

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(00:13) Why performance matters in real-world operations

(01:20) What makes the X15 a trusted platform over time

(02:40) What fleets look for when specing a truck

(05:00) How predictive diagnostics is changing uptime

(06:05) Thinking beyond the engine to full powertrain integration

(08:08) Hidden advantages customers may not consider

(09:40) How partnership supports fleets across the lifecycle

(10:40) Turning data into uptime and cost savings

(12:20) Moving from reactive fixes to predictive maintenance

(14:40) Helping customers operate equipment more effectively

(15:00) What the next generation of powertrain will bring

(16:21) Lightning round

(17:13) Big idea for this episode

When firefighters respond, there is no room for hesitation. The equipment behind them has to perform without fail.

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Chris to explore the powertrain technology behind fire and emergency vehicles. From engines designed for extreme duty cycles to braking systems that bring massive vehicles to a stop, the conversation looks at what keeps these trucks ready at all times.

Chris shares how Cummins has supported fire service for nearly a century, starting with one of the first diesel-powered fire trucks and continuing with modern innovations that improve performance, maintenance, and emissions. The discussion also highlights how these vehicles operate as mobile power systems, supporting far more than just transport.

Hear how Cummins designs for reliability, supports customers through a strong service network, and continues to improve performance through data, connectivity, and new engine platforms.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How fire trucks operate as multi-function power systems beyond transport
• Why reliability and braking performance are critical in emergency response
• How connected technology helps keep vehicles in service and ready

Additional Resources:

• Cummins: Fire and emergency
• Cummins 2027 X15 Series
• Cummins X10
• Cummins presents new X10 to more than 36,000 fire, rescue service at FDIC
• Cummins brings disc brakes for single rear-drive axles at FDIC International 2026 | Cummins Inc.
• Truck Equipment Manufacturers and Body Builders
• Fire Pump Drive FAQs

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(00:10) Why fire response depends on reliable equipment

(00:41) Cummins' history in fire service applications

(01:20) What made early diesel fire trucks a step forward

(02:00) Why fire trucks act as mobile power systems

(03:01) Understanding real-world duty cycles

(03:20) Key components that support emergency performance

(04:24) New innovations in braking and maintenance

(05:05) Meeting stricter emissions with new engine designs

(07:00) Support network and connected diagnostics

(09:00) What the future of fire apparatus looks like

The heartbeat of our modern world is fueled by a constant need for reliable energy. 

While the machinery is impressive, the true narrative lies in the human ingenuity and collaborative spirit that turn these technical systems into tools for global advancement.

In this third season of Power Onward, Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey invites you to look behind the scenes of the technologies and strategic alliances defining the next era of energy. As we navigate an energy transition that is both intricate and fast-moving, this season focuses on the diverse strategies we are employing to support our partners through every stage of their growth.

Progress is a continuous journey, and we are excited to share the stories of those leading the way.

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Powering paradise comes with significant responsibilities.

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Sherif about how battery energy storage systems (BESS) are changing the way Australia and the Asia Pacific region keep the lights on.

From rooftop solar in suburban neighborhoods to remote islands, luxury resorts, and fast-growing data centers, Sherif shares how smarter storage is making energy cleaner, more reliable, and more cost-effective.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How BESS turns daytime solar into evening power for homes, schools, and councils
• How hybrid systems can cut diesel fuel use dramatically in remote and island communities
• Why data centers now look at BESS as part of core energy strategy, not just backup

Additional Resources:

• Cummins Microgrids
• Cummins BESS webpage 
• Why battery storage is now essential to microgrid development
• Key tips to help understand battery energy storage systems
• Power Onward podcast: Beyond your average household battery
• What are battery energy storage systems?
• How BESS is driving grid stability, supporting renewables, and accelerating the Middle East region’s clean energy goals

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(01:22) How BESS shows up across APAC

(02:33) Energy shifting 101

(04:04) Pairing diesel, solar, and BESS to cut fuel use in remote locations

(05:01) A Pacific Island project that unlocks energy independence and steadier power

(05:53) How islands are using renewable microgrids as a differentiator

(07:06) Data centers, AI, and why batteries now support the digital world

(08:16) Where BESS is headed next in APAC

(08:54) The human impact behind the tech

What if the stuff we throw away could keep trucks moving?

In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Dave to talk about renewable natural gas, aka RNG, and how it turns things like landfill trash, cow manure, and food waste into clean, usable fuel. They break down what RNG actually is, how it’s made, and why more fleets are already using it.

They also explore what makes the Cummins X15N engine a game changer, how RNG stacks up against diesel, and how cow waste fits into a surprisingly full-circle clean energy story.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How RNG’s carbon intensity can go below zero
• Why dairy farms are key players in clean fuel
• What drivers are saying about switching to RNG engines

Articles

• Natural gas readiness
• X15N Engine | Cummins Inc.
• How to transition your fleet to natural gas engines
• Reducing your company’s Scope 3 Emissions with RNG
• The legacy of a “King” ft. David J. King

Additional Resources:

• RNG Coalition Infographic
• BioTown Ag
• The Transport Project
• Clean Energy Fuels
• RNG Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(00:33) What RNG is and how it’s made

(02:11) From waste to pipeline-ready fuel

(03:37) Where RNG fits into commercial fleets

(04:15) How RNG helps fleets cut emissions and costs

(05:15) Why RNG can be carbon-negative

(06:48) California’s RNG adoption and what it shows

(08:34) A full-circle dairy farm story

(12:02) The X15N engine’s first year in action

(17:49) What drivers say about RNG behind the wheel

How do we keep AI running when the grid starts to strain?

Bhargava joins Kim to explore the pressure data centers are placing on global power systems. He explains what’s changing in energy demand, why data center operators are bringing their own power, and how Cummins is stepping in with more sustainable solutions.

Through examples such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and advanced generators, Bhargava shares how technology is adapting to keep up with AI’s around-the-clock needs. He also explains the misconception that reliability and sustainability are at odds, when in fact, they work better together.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the invisible systems powering our digital lives.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How data centers are shifting energy strategies to meet AI’s nonstop power demands
• Why grid constraints are fueling innovation in on-site energy
• What Cummins is doing to help keep AI online and emissions down

Additional resources

• Global reach, local support for data center power
• First Down: meet the Gridiron Greats of power systems
• Powering sustainable data centers
• Three Emerging Trends in data center sustainability
• Evolution of DC Onsite Power Use

Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered  straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe  

Dive into the conversation:

(00:00) This is Power Onward

(00:26) How data centers silently power your digital life

(01:31) Cummins’ role in keeping AI engines always on

(02:57) What 36 gigawatts of energy demand means

(04:19) Why AI growth is reshaping energy infrastructure

(06:29) Grid constraints explained through real-world examples

(10:37) Breaking down reliability and sustainability pressures

(13:30) What Tier 4 and BESS mean for emissions

(15:50) How Cummins keeps your AI running smoothly

(17:34) Cummins’ bold roadmap for powering the AI future