As the demand for reliable, scalable, and sustainable power continues to grow, more facilities are exploring the integration of natural gas microgrids and on-site power plants into their existing energy systems. For mission-critical environments like data centers, hospitals, and industrial campuses, this approach offers greater resilience without requiring a full overhaul of current infrastructure.

Rather than replacing legacy systems, natural gas microgrids and power plants are typically designed to complement them, adding redundancy, enabling islanding capabilities, and improving overall energy efficiency. But integration is not a plug-and-play process. It requires a tailored strategy that aligns technical requirements with operational goals.

Understanding the Role of Natural Gas Microgrids / CHP/CCHP

Natural gas microgrids and on-site power plants are localized energy systems that operate independently from the utility grid. They typically include on-site generation powered by natural gas, intelligent controls, and sometimes energy storage. The microgrid or plant is built to supply critical loads and can either supplement existing systems or fully take over during outages or instability.

When properly integrated, a natural gas microgrid acts as a behind-the-meter resource, improving energy security while reducing dependence on diesel or volatile grid conditions. It also gives operators more control over how and when energy is generated, stored, and distributed.

Key Integration Considerations

1. Load Assessment and Segmentation

Before integration begins, it’s essential to conduct a detailed load assessment. This includes identifying total energy usage, peak demand profiles, and critical vs. non-critical systems. Facilities should define which loads the microgrid or plant will support during normal operations and during outages.

Segmentation of loads is often required. For example, in a data center, critical IT racks may be prioritized for uninterrupted power, while ancillary systems such as office lighting or cooling may have lower priority. Understanding this segmentation guides data center microgrid sizing and helps determine the right backup configuration.

2. Interconnection with Facility Infrastructure

Because these systems are designed to operate independently from the utility grid, integration focuses on how the microgrid or power plant connects internally to the facility’s systems. Proper switchgear, relays, and safety mechanisms are required to manage power flows between gas generation, solar, battery storage, and facility loads, without relying on the broader utility network.

Open and closed transition systems are still important, but the emphasis shifts to ensuring safe, reliable operation between multiple on-site sources of energy rather than between grid and on-site generation.

3. Synchronization and Control Across Multiple Energy Sources

Rather than syncing with the utility grid, today's microgrids must synchronize internal energy sources like gas turbines, solar arrays, and battery systems. Voltage, frequency, and phase alignment across these sources is critical to protect sensitive facility equipment and ensure seamless operations.

Advanced control systems coordinate generation, storage, and load balancing across multiple technologies. Modern controllers offer real-time optimization, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics, giving operators precision control over energy flows within the independent system.

4. Generator Selection and Sizing

For a natural gas microgrid or power plant to function efficiently, generator sizing must align with the facility’s load profile. Oversizing leads to inefficiency and unnecessary cost. Undersizing risks failing to support critical loads during peak periods or outages.

Capstone microturbines, often used in E-Finity systems, offer a modular solution to this challenge. Facilities can start with a baseline capacity and scale as needed, maintaining redundancy without overspending. The turbines run on clean-burning natural gas and have fewer moving parts than traditional engines, resulting in lower maintenance needs and longer service intervals.

5. Backup and Redundancy Strategy

Even with a microgrid or power plant in place, redundancy remains essential. Many facilities choose to maintain their existing backup generators—often diesel—while using the natural gas microgrid as the primary source of backup or even continuous power.

This layered approach allows facilities to maintain N+1 or N+2 redundancy levels and provides additional resilience during extreme weather events, fuel supply disruptions, or maintenance cycles. Integration planning should account for how these systems interact, ensuring clear controls and coordination.

6. Regulatory and Facility Engagement

Although these systems are independent from the grid, facilities must still engage with regulators regarding safety standards, emissions compliance, and permitting requirements. Interconnection with local infrastructure (such as gas supplies) also requires careful coordination.

Partnering with a firm experienced in these processes, such as E-Finity, can help ensure a smooth path from project design to operation, minimizing regulatory friction and project delays.

7. Long-Term Maintenance and Operational Excellence

Once the microgrid or power plant is installed, the most critical factor for success is long-term maintenance and operational management. Regular preventive maintenance ensures peak performance, protects against failures, and extends system life.

Facilities need a robust operations plan that includes routine inspections, scheduled servicing, real-time performance monitoring, and responsive support teams. E-Finity’s systems are equipped with 24/7 remote monitoring for proactive maintenance, trend analysis, and real-time troubleshooting, ensuring that the power plant or microgrid continues to support mission-critical operations without disruption.