Last Mile Pipeline Interconnections for Data Center Power Plants
Why Fuel Supply Infrastructure Matters for Data Center Power
A behind-the-meter power plant is only as reliable as its fuel supply. For data center power plants running on natural gas turbines or reciprocating engines, that means a dependable connection from the nearest gas transmission line to the plant itself. That connection is the last mile pipeline lateral, and it is a critical piece of the infrastructure chain between fuel source and on-site generation.
Wikota Electrical Services designs, integrates, and installs the electrical infrastructure behind these power plants, working alongside affiliates Wikota Design & Construction LLC and Wikota Fab Solutions LLC to deliver power, electrical, and utility infrastructure for mission-critical data center projects.
Last Mile Pipeline Scope
Wikota’s fuel infrastructure scope for data center power projects includes:
- “Last mile” pipeline lateral interconnections
- Integration with natural gas turbines and reciprocating engines, including backup fuel systems such as LNG and diesel
- Permitting assistance for pipeline interconnection work
Civil, Mechanical, and Process Capability In-House
Pipeline interconnection work touches civil, mechanical, and process disciplines, often on a schedule tied directly to a data center’s energization date. Wikota’s integrated execution model combines in-house civil, mechanical, electrical, and process capability under one project team, which reduces the coordination risk that comes from managing multiple separate contractors on a single fuel infrastructure scope.
A dedicated fabrication facility supports this work by minimizing field welding, which helps control cost escalation and delivery timelines on pipeline and plant infrastructure alike.
Supporting the Full Power Delivery Chain
Last mile pipeline interconnections are one link in a larger chain that also includes the behind-the-meter power plant itself, the electrical infrastructure that distributes and controls that power, and the cooling systems that keep data center compute running. Wikota’s teams work across all of these scopes for data center clients, from fuel delivery through electrical load analysis and thermal management.
Frequently Asked Questions - Last Mile Pipeline Interconnections
What is a last mile pipeline interconnection?
A last mile pipeline interconnection is the final segment of pipeline that connects a gas transmission line to an on-site facility, such as a behind-the-meter power plant, delivering fuel directly to the point of use.
Why do data center power plants need dedicated pipeline laterals?
Behind-the-meter power plants running on natural gas require a direct, reliable fuel connection to operate. A dedicated last mile lateral provides that connection independent of other users on the broader gas transmission system.
Does Wikota handle permitting for pipeline interconnections?
Yes. Permitting assistance is included in Wikota's scope for last mile pipeline interconnection work supporting data center power infrastructure.
How does in-house fabrication reduce pipeline project risk?
Fabricating components at a dedicated facility rather than in the field reduces field welding, which helps limit cost escalation and delivery delays on pipeline and plant construction.