Jet Engines Powering AI Data Centers Amid Energy Crunch

As the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities surges, U.S. data center operators are increasingly turning to repurposed jet engines to meet their energy needs. Faced with significant delays in securing grid power, facilities are deploying aeroderivative gas turbines—essentially retired commercial aircraft engines converted into power generators. These units, such as the General Electric CF6-80C2 and LM6000, are being utilized in Texas to support AI infrastructure while traditional utility-scale power solutions lag behind.

Jet engines power AI data centers as demand soarsSoaring AI Demand Has Data Centers Deploying Jet Engines To Keep UpData centers turn to commercial aircraft jet engines bolted onto trailers as AI power crunch bites — cast-off turbines generate up to 48 MW of electricity apieceProEnergy repurposes jet engines to power data centers amid gas turbine shortages - report‘AI’ data centers are so power-hungry, they’re now using old jet enginesThe Register UKGizmodo

ProEnergy and Mitsubishi Power are leading this trend, offering modular gas turbines that can deliver up to 48 megawatts each. These turbines can be rapidly deployed, with ProEnergy’s PE6000 units capable of starting within minutes to meet immediate energy demands. OpenAI is notably implementing around 30 LM2500XPRESS units at a facility near Abilene, Texas, as part of its multi-billion-dollar Stargate project.

Data centers turn to commercial aircraft jet engines bolted onto trailers as AI power crunch bites — cast-off turbines generate up to 48 MW of electricity apiece

The energy requirements of AI data centers are significantly higher than those of traditional facilities. A typical AI setup can demand over 100 megawatts, with some of the largest complexes projected to consume up to 2 gigawatts. This escalating demand is compounded by the slow response of utility companies, which often face lead times of five years or more for new connections. Consequently, many operators are resorting to on-site power generation as a stopgap measure.

Soaring AI Demand Has Data Centers Deploying Jet Engines To Keep Up

ProEnergy, based in Sedalia, Missouri, has emerged as a key player in this market, retrofitting old jet engine cores to create gas turbines. The company has sold 21 units for two data center projects, amounting to over 1 gigawatt of capacity. These turbines are expected to provide bridging power for five to seven years until grid connections are established. Once grid power is available, the turbines may serve as backup generators or be sold to local utilities.

ProEnergy repurposes jet engines to power data centers amid gas turbine shortages - reportThe Register UKSoaring AI Demand Has Data Centers Deploying Jet Engines To Keep UpData centers turn to commercial aircraft jet engines bolted onto trailers as AI power crunch bites — cast-off turbines generate up to 48 MW of electricity apieceJet engines power AI data centers as demand soars‘AI’ data centers are so power-hungry, they’re now using old jet enginesGizmodo

While the use of jet engines as power sources offers a temporary solution to energy shortages, it raises significant environmental concerns. These turbines primarily run on natural gas or diesel, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, including methane and nitrogen oxides. In Memphis, Tennessee, the operation of gas turbines at Elon Musk's xAI data center has sparked local protests over air quality issues, highlighting the tension between rapid technological advancement and environmental sustainability.

Soaring AI Demand Has Data Centers Deploying Jet Engines To Keep Up

Landon Tessmer, Vice President of Commercial Operations at ProEnergy, stated, “We have sold 21 gas turbines for two data center projects amounting to more than 1GW.” He emphasized that these turbines are a necessary interim solution due to the constrained nature of the gas turbine market, where wait times for new units can extend beyond 2029.

ProEnergy repurposes jet engines to power data centers amid gas turbine shortages - report

As the AI industry continues to expand, the reliance on repurposed jet engines is likely to grow. With an estimated 1,000 aircraft engines set to be retired in the next decade, the market for repurposing these engines into power generators presents a significant opportunity. However, the long-term sustainability of this approach remains in question as the industry grapples with the environmental implications of such energy solutions.

‘AI’ data centers are so power-hungry, they’re now using old jet engines