Using Jet Engines to Power Data Centers

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Why it matters

Tech companies are adapting jet engines into natural gas turbines to power AI data centers off-grid, bypassing grid constraints amid a gas turbine shortage.[1][2][3] Key developments include FTAI Aviation converting Boeing 737 engines by swapping fuel nozzles for natural gas and resizing the front fan, enabling delivery of about 100 turbines annually starting this year.[2] Boom Supersonic's Superpower turbine, a 42 MW unit sharing technology with its supersonic jet engine, secured a $1.25 billion backlog with launch customer Crusoe for U.S. data centers, plus $300 million in funding announced December 9, 2025; production ramps to over 4 GW annually by 2030.[3] Crusoe is deploying these at sites like its Wyoming campus and Stargate in Abilene, Texas (1.2 GW demand), while retired military jet engines offer up to 40 GW potential in Arizona alone.[1][4][5]

Involved parties are Boom Supersonic (turbines, backed by Sam Altman via investment), Crusoe (primary customer, developer), FTAI Aviation (conversions), OpenAI/Oracle (Stargate project in New Mexico with gas systems), and others like Meta (800 mini-turbines in El Paso), Titus Low Carbon Ventures (reciprocating engines via Gruppo AB), and Caterpillar.[1][2][3][5] No specific legislation or agencies are noted, but projects face local pushback over secrecy and grid bypasses, as in the approved GW Ranch in West Texas.[1]

This stems from explosive AI-driven data center growth straining utilities, with dozens of off-grid projects in Texas, New Mexico, and beyond, fueled by natural gas due to turbine backlogs lasting years.[1][2][5] Timeline: Boom's announcement (Dec 2025), GW Ranch approval, ongoing Stargate construction; repurposing leverages ~1,600 annual retired commercial engines for 13 GW potential.[1][2][3] Newsworthy now due to imminent deliveries addressing power crises, high emissions irony for "green" tech pledges, and scalable capacity amid AI boom.[1][2][3]

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