Using Jet Engines to Power Data Centers

2026-02-20 · Source: Technology - WSJ.com · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cloud Computing & IT Infrastructure, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, short

Summary

Companies are converting aircraft jet engines into land-based natural gas turbines to meet the surging power demands of AI data centers. FTAI Aviation plans to sell modified Boeing 737 engines for this purpose, with aircraft startup Boom Supersonic also entering the market, supplying its engines to AI data center startup Crusoe. This innovation addresses the years-long waitlists for traditional power turbines from incumbents like GE Vernova and Siemens Energy. Tech giants are projected to spend $700 billion in capital expenditures this year, driving creative solutions in the power sector. FTAI Aviation claims a conversion time of 30 to 45 days per engine, highlighting a rapid deployment capability for these aeroderivative power sources.

Key takeaway

For CTOs and VPs of Engineering facing power constraints for new AI data centers, consider evaluating converted jet engines as a faster alternative to traditional power turbines. This approach offers significantly reduced deployment times, potentially mitigating project delays and operational bottlenecks. Your teams should investigate vendors like FTAI Aviation and Boom Supersonic for their modified engine solutions to capitalize on this emerging power generation method.

Key insights

Modified jet engines are rapidly becoming a viable power solution for energy-intensive AI data centers.

Principles

• Repurposing existing technology accelerates infrastructure deployment.
• High capital expenditure drives innovation in supporting sectors.

Method

Aircraft jet engines are converted into land-based natural gas turbines, a process FTAI Aviation states takes 30-45 days, to generate power for data centers.

In practice

• Explore aeroderivative turbines for rapid power generation.
• Investigate engine leasing companies for power solutions.

Topics

• AI Energy Demand
• Data Center Infrastructure
• Jet Engine Conversion
• AI Video Generation
• AI Automation

Best for: Investor, CTO, VP of Engineering/Data, Director of AI/ML, AI Product Manager, Tech Journalist

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by Technology - WSJ.com.