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

US data center operators are turning to aeroderivative gas turbines, repurposed commercial aircraft engines mounted on trailers, to address power supply delays. These turbines, capable of generating up to 48 megawatts each, are being deployed by companies like ProEnergy and Mitsubishi Power to support AI infrastructure while waiting for utility-scale power solutions. While not the most cost-effective or environmentally friendly option, these turbines offer a quick fix for companies striving to meet AI milestones. Despite lower thermal efficiency compared to traditional power plants, their rapid deployment and high output make them a practical solution for the current power supply challenges in the US data center industry.