Aircraft Engines Repurposed as Datacenter Power Solutions Amid Energy Crunch

AI Energy Demands Strain Power Infrastructure

The explosive growth in artificial intelligence computing has created unprecedented energy demands for datacenter operators, according to industry reports. Sources indicate that US data facilities are projected to consume 22 percent more grid power by the end of 2025 compared to the previous year, creating significant pressure on existing energy infrastructure.

AI Energy Demands Strain Power Infrastructure
Gas Turbine Shortages Create Supply Chain Challenges
Aircraft Engines Provide Unconventional Solution
Alternative Power Solutions Face Development Hurdles

Analysts suggest that many regional power grids cannot keep pace with connection requests, forcing operators to develop on-site generation capabilities. This shift toward self-sufficient power generation was reportedly advised by Schneider Electric last year as a strategic response to grid limitations.

Gas Turbine Shortages Create Supply Chain Challenges

The surge in demand for on-site power generation has led to critical shortages in the gas turbine market, particularly in the United States which hosts more datacenters than any other country. Industry reports state that three manufacturers dominate two-thirds of the electricity generation turbine market: Japan’s MHI, Germany’s Siemens, and GE Vernova.

An MHI executive reportedly confirmed that current demand exceeds supply capacity, with North American customers facing wait times of up to three years for turbine generator delivery. The situation appears even more constrained in Southeast Asian markets like Vietnam and the Philippines, where analysts suggest larger turbines may require up to five years for delivery.

Manufacturers have reportedly begun charging non-refundable reservation fees to secure future production slots. According to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA), one developer paid GE Vernova $25 million to reserve a delivery slot for 2030.

Aircraft Engines Provide Unconventional Solution

In response to the turbine shortage, US company ProEnergy has developed an innovative approach using repurposed jet engines. Sources indicate that some datacenters are already implementing PE6000 turbines supplied by ProEnergy to power facilities during construction and initial operation phases.

The company reportedly acquires and refurbishes used General Electric CF6 engines, originally designed for commercial airliners, and adapts them to drive electricity generators instead of producing thrust. When grid power becomes available, these temporary power systems can be transitioned to backup roles, used to supplement grid supply, or resold to other buyers.

Alternative Power Solutions Face Development Hurdles

The gas turbine shortage could create significant challenges for datacenter developers seeking reliable on-site power generation. Traditional alternatives include diesel generators, while more advanced options involve fuel cells or co-locating facilities with renewable energy sources like wind farms.

Some industry observers have suggested small modular reactors (SMRs) as another potential solution, but analysts indicate these nuclear alternatives are unlikely to be commercially viable before the end of the decade. The current supply constraints highlight the broader infrastructure challenges facing the rapidly expanding AI industry as energy demands continue to outpace conventional power delivery capabilities.

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