Data centers are turning to old jet engines as the wait for power grows

Some AI data centers are using converted jet engines rebuilt to burn natural gas to generate their own electricity, as grid connections and new turbines face years-long waits, the New York Times reported. Rystad Energy analyst Audun Martinsen said jet-powered units can have a data center running in 24 months, compared with about seven years to hook up 100 megawatts to the grid in Northern Virginia, according to the IEA. xAI has installed eight converted jet-engine turbines in Mississippi for its Colossus 2 data center in Memphis, and Crusoe ordered 13 of ProEnergy's converted units in April for OpenAI's Stargate site in Abilene, Texas.