The artificial intelligence boom is driving a surge in electricity demand, while data center developers face grid connection waits of up to seven years. Some are turning to aeroderivative gas turbines—repurposed aircraft engines—as a faster source of on-site power. The turbines can help bring a data center online in 24 months.
Elon Musk’s xAI has installed eight converted turbines at a data center in Mississippi. Developer Crusoe is deploying the turbines for facilities intended to serve OpenAI.
The turbines are less efficient and produce more pollution than conventional power plants. Environmental groups have challenged permits that allow higher emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide.
The trend is creating a new market for aviation and energy companies. GE Vernova and FTAI Aviation are among the firms seeing surging demand for converted turbines adapted from aircraft such as the Boeing 747.