Data Centers Turn to Aircraft Turbines and Generators Amid Grid Delays

Data center operators are increasingly adopting unconventional power solutions as grid connection delays stretch to seven years. Producers of aircraft-engine-derived turbines and diesel generators report surging demand, with GE Vernova securing a deal to supply nearly 1 gigawatt of power for Crusoe's Stargate facility in Texas—a project backing OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank.

The shift reflects broader energy constraints in the sector. 'The incentives have never been greater for any technology that can supply power,' notes Kasparas Spokas of the Clean Air Task Force. GE Vernova CFO Ken Parks highlighted 'growing demand' for these systems, which serve as bridge power for AI infrastructure.

This pivot underscores the collision between exponential AI growth and aging power grids. On-site generation avoids both interconnection queues and public backlash over energy consumption, though questions linger about long-term sustainability.