Everyone Says Diesel Is Dead. The Market Says Otherwise.

The conversation around data center power has focused on replacing diesel. But for many hyperscalers and developers, modern standby diesel remains a practical solution amid grid constraints, permitting challenges, and growing reliability demands.

In this discussion, Matt Vincent, Editor in Chief of Data Center Frontier, sits down with Brad Meissner, Director of Product Management at Generac, to explore why diesel continues to play a critical role in data center power strategies—and how low-NOx engines, HVO compatibility, and next-generation emissions controls are redefining diesel technology in 2026.