Jet engine shortages threaten AI data center expansion as wait times stretch into 2030 — the rush to power AI buildout continues

Jet engine shortages are posing a threat to AI data center expansion, with delays stretching into 2030. Data center developers are turning to aeroderivative gas turbines, originally used in military and offshore energy, to provide fast-start bridging power for AI clusters facing an energy crunch. Manufacturers are quoting years-long lead times for turbine orders, with many orders placed today being scheduled for 2028-2030. The surge in turbine orders has collided with manufacturing timelines, leading to concerns about emissions and long-term sustainability of using repurposed jet engines for AI data centers. Despite efforts to increase production capacity, relief is not expected before 2028 at the earliest.