Kusum Kavia, CEO of CAI, is filling the large energy needs of data centers in the face of surging demand in the face of the artificial intelligence revolution, earning her company an Innovation Month Proclamation at the Riverside Board of Supervisors on March 24.
Corona, CA: Corona-based engineering and manufacturing company CAI is expanding its modular on-site power generation systems as demand surges from artificial intelligence and data center operators seeking resilient energy infrastructure.
The company, led by CEO Kusum Kavia, develops modular 24/7 power generation packages designed to provide reliable electricity independent of the traditional grid.
The surge in computing demand driven by AI is placing unprecedented pressure on electrical infrastructure, prompting many large facilities to consider on-site generation as part of their energy strategy.
“Data centers require constant power and cannot afford downtime,” said Kavia. “On-site generation allows facilities to maintain reliability even when grid capacity becomes constrained.”
CAI’s flagship Spirit 16 industrial power package provides up to 16 megawatts of continuous power and is designed for mission-critical facilities such as data centers and industrial campuses.
The systems incorporate advanced gas turbine technology through a strategic partnership with Baker Hughes, enabling compact systems with long operating lifespans and maintenance cycles of up to five years. Units are also designed to be hydrogen-ready, supporting future clean fuel transitions.
CAI manufactures its systems in the Inland Empire using a regional supply chain, reflecting the company’s long-standing emphasis on “Made in California” engineering and production.
The company has deployed similar systems internationally, including a 10-megawatt combined heat and power installation for the U.S. Air Force at Yokota Air Base in Japan.
Founded more than 35 years ago as an air pollution compliance consulting firm, CAI has evolved into a major manufacturer of industrial power infrastructure.
The company’s innovation has recently been recognized locally. CAI was selected by the Riverside County Office of Economic Development to receive the county’s Innovator Award during Innovation Month.
Kavia will accept the proclamation at the Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting on March 24.
As demand for resilient energy systems continues to rise, CAI is planning additional expansion in the Inland Empire to meet growing production needs.
“The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire congratulates CAI and its team on its achievements. They are excellent representatives of the cutting-edge manufacturing in our region, and the recognition they are receiving is well deserved,” said Dr. Wallace Brithinee, Board President of MCIE.
The Manufacturers’ Council (MCIE) represents manufacturers in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Their efforts include promoting workforce development programs and policies for the region, as well as educating the public on the modern face of manufacturing in the region and the skilled trade opportunities that offer rewarding, high-wage careers.
MCIE’s membership comprises professionals, students, community members, and corporate leadership with interests in manufacturing in Inland Southern California.
The Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire (MCIE) supports education and career training on behalf of manufacturers throughout the region, offering programming and expertise in a variety of topics including innovative workforce solutions. Visit http://www.mfgcouncilie.com or our Linktree at linktr.ee/iemanufacturing for more information on careers, events, and membership.
