AI data-center developers are seeking used gas turbines and retired jet engines as delivery of new turbines stretches into the next decade. New gas turbines take an average of six years to deliver in the United States, according to Wood Mackenzie. Reuters reported that global orders exceed 100 gigawatts, while estimated annual manufacturing capacity is 60 to 70 gigawatts.
Crusoe ordered 13 jet-engine-derived turbines from ProEnergy in April, with a combined capacity of 650 megawatts, for future U.S. data centers. The order does not mean Crusoe bought engines removed from retired aircraft. Used equipment may cost less and arrive sooner, but limited supply, maintenance needs, fuel requirements and air-pollution permits remain obstacles. Cleanview found about 90 gigawatts of proposed on-site generation at U.S. data centers in mid-2026, but only about 2 gigawatts was operating then.
