“We’re not just solving a power problem—we’re enabling the next generation of digital infrastructure.” — Jim Summers, CEO, Gas Power Compute Infrastructure

In an era where AI and cloud computing are driving data center demand through the roof, the question of how to power that future has become just as critical as the technology itself. In a wide-ranging and insightful conversation with Jim Summers, CEO of Gas Power Compute Infrastructure (GPC), Technology Reseller News publisher Doug Green explores the very real energy bottlenecks now threatening digital transformation.

Founded to address the widening gap between data center demand and utility grid capacity, GPC delivers onsite, natural gas-powered energy infrastructure—turning traditional thinking about power delivery on its head.

The Grid Can’t Keep Up—But Data Centers Can’t Wait

For decades, power in the U.S. was abundant, and few thought twice about availability. But now, as Summers explains, we are entering the fourth industrial revolution—an era defined by hyper-connected devices, mobility, and generative AI—all powered by data centers. These new centers are no longer requesting 10 megawatts—they’re asking for 100 or even a gigawatt of capacity.

The utilities simply can’t keep up. Aging infrastructure, permitting delays, and the realities of a slow-moving grid have pushed many operators to face years-long timelines just to connect to adequate power.

Enter On-Site Generation: Behind-the-Meter, Ahead of the Curve

GPC’s solution: on-site, behind-the-meter generation using clean-burning, flexible natural gas. This approach offers three key benefits:

Speed to Power – On-site generation bypasses grid delays, enabling faster deployment.

Reliability – Natural gas turbines, especially in redundant (N+1) configurations, can offer five nines reliability.

Sustainability – On-site gas can outperform the grid’s coal-heavy mix in emissions, while achieving efficiencies of up to 85% through waste heat recapture.

Summers emphasizes the often-overlooked efficiency and environmental advantage of natural gas. Unlike grid power—which loses up to 15% in transmission—GPC’s approach delivers power where it’s used, minimizing waste and opening the door to future hydrogen and biogas adoption with the same infrastructure.

From Heavy Industry to High Tech: Lessons Reapplied

Drawing on decades of experience in energy infrastructure for chemical plants, paper mills, and refineries, Summers and his team are now applying proven self-generation strategies to a new challenge: digital infrastructure. The parallels are clear—both need reliable, high-volume, and resilient power.

“We’re really taking what heavy industry figured out years ago and putting it to work for data centers,” said Summers.

Dispelling Myths, Delivering Certainty

A few persistent myths linger around onsite generation, Summers noted. Is it legal? Yes—in all 50 states. Is it reliable? Even more so than many utility grids today. Is it sustainable? Absolutely—especially compared to coal-fired baseline generation still running across the U.S.

What GPC brings is not just technology, but turnkey solutions and long-term partnerships. “We don’t lead with equipment. We lead with relationships,” says Summers, underscoring the company's deep bench of energy veterans, capital backing, and holistic project management—from permitting to fuel sourcing to system operation.

Complexity, Simplified

In the end, Summers argues, the goal is to help customers turn a highly complex energy challenge into an opportunity. As data center developers and operators face mounting urgency, GPC stands ready to provide not only power, but peace of mind.

“Every time you use your phone, you’re tapping into a data center. But the reality is, that data center might be competing with homes and hospitals for grid power on a 117-degree day. That’s why we built GPC—to give our clients control, speed,