Aircraft engines for on-site power
Companies building artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are converting even retired aircraft jet engines into generators because they cannot obtain electricity in time. With data center construction increasing rapidly, grid connections taking years and new generating equipment becoming harder to obtain, companies are competing to secure on-site generation.
According to the New York Times (NYT) on November 3, local time, older aircraft engines stored in the Arizona desert are attracting attention as a source of power for data centers. The process involves removing the large fan from an engine taken off an aircraft, modifying it to burn natural gas and connecting it to a generator. Instead of waiting a long time for electricity from the existing grid, companies generate power directly on site.
Bill Kleyman, CEO of AI infrastructure company Apollo, said: “Just a few years ago, the data center industry would have considered this approach absurd. But now the critical issue is how quickly power can be secured.” Rystad Energy analyst Audun Martinsen projected: “Using converted engines could allow data centers to begin operating in about 24 months, instead of waiting years for a grid connection.”
Generator supply and environmental concerns
Companies are also expanding related businesses. According to the NYT, US company ProEnergy supplies generators that produce 50 MW each by converting engines previously used in Boeing and other aircraft. The company said that is enough to supply about 15,000 households. Aircraft engine maintenance company FTAI Aviation also entered the business in 2025. Its joint venture signed a generator supply contract worth about $1.5 billion, approximately 2 trillion won, with an overseas cloud company in July.
US President Donald Trump has also emphasized that data centers should generate their own electricity to avoid burdening the existing grid. As local residents' concerns about potential electricity rate increases grow, companies are also accelerating efforts to secure power.
However, disputes over environmental pollution are also intensifying. Converted jet engines can be less fuel-efficient and emit more pollutants than conventional gas turbines used for power generation. Environmental groups criticize the rush to secure electricity for AI, saying it could place a burden on residents' health and the surrounding environment.
Original Korean article: Chosun Ilbo
English brief by Korea Wind Intelligence, koreawindintel.com
