Data centres are increasingly turning to repurposed aircraft engines to meet escalating power demands, particularly for AI infrastructure. With grid connection delays stretching for years, operators are deploying aeroderivative gas turbines – effectively retired commercial aircraft engines mounted on trailers – to ensure continuous operation.
These modular, fast-start generators, sourced from vendors like ProEnergy and Mitsubishi Power, can deliver up to 48 megawatts each. OpenAI is deploying nearly 30 LM2500XPRESS units at a Texas facility, each capable of generating 34 megawatts. While offering rapid deployment and start-up speeds, these turbines operate in simple-cycle mode, resulting in lower thermal efficiency compared to combined-cycle plants.
The surge in AI development has led to a shortage of gas turbines, with manufacturers facing multi-year waiting lists and charging reservation fees. This has driven data centres to seek alternative power solutions, despite potential environmental concerns.
