Data centers are turning to old jet engines as the wait for power grows
techcrunch ·
Facing years-long delays in connecting to the electrical grid, some AI data centers are turning to converted jet engines as a rapid power solution. These units, rebuilt from retired aircraft to burn natural gas, can be operational in approximately 24 months, compared to the seven years often required for traditional grid connections. Major players like Elon Musk’s xAI and OpenAI have already deployed these turbines to support their expanding infrastructure projects. This trend highlights the growing disconnect between the speed of AI buildouts and the slower pace of energy supply expansion. While this approach offers immediate relief, it comes with trade-offs, including lower efficiency and higher pollution levels than conventional power plants. Consequently, experts view these engines as a short-term fix rather than a permanent long-term energy strategy.
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