AI Data Centers Turn to Used Gas Turbines as New-Unit Lead Times Reach Six Years

According to ChainCatcher citing Decrypt and Reuters, AI data center developers are turning to used gas turbines and retired jet engines as wait times for new turbines stretch to six years. Wood Mackenzie data put the average U.S. delivery lead time at six years, with delivery discussions focused on 2030 and 2031. Global turbine orders exceed 100 gigawatts, while manufacturers’ annual capacity is estimated at 60–70 gigawatts; Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries say orders are growing faster than capacity. Crusoe ordered 13 aircraft-engine-derived turbines, each rated at 50 megawatts, from Missouri-based ProEnergy in April for future U.S. data centers, totaling 650 megawatts. Brokers and energy analysts estimate well-maintained used turbines cost $1.5 million–$1.7 million per megawatt, compared with $2 million–$2.5 million for new units. The International Energy Agency projects global data center electricity use will rise from 485 terawatt-hours in 2025 to 950 terawatt-hours in 2030, with AI facility consumption expected to triple over the same period. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says stationary turbines and engines used by data centers must comply with federal air pollution standards. Finnish manufacturer Wärtsilä told Reuters it has received about 3 gigawatts of gas-engine generator orders from U.S. data centers since spring 2025.