AI data centres turn to jet engines for power as grid connections stall
What happened
Some AI data centres, facing years-long queues for grid connections, are turning to self-generated power from decommissioned aircraft converted into natural-gas-fired jet engines. TechCrunch reported on 4 November 2026 that this approach can get a data centre running in as little as 24 months, whereas securing 100 megawatts of grid capacity in Northern Virginia takes about seven years; xAI and OpenAI have already adopted the method.
Written by AI from the reports · updated 2 h ago
Timeline
Follow the reports to see the event from each side.
- TechCrunch · AIData centers are turning to old jet engines as the wait for power grows
The years-long wait for access to the grid and new turbines is causing data center builders to turn to an unusual, less-efficient and less environmentally friendly solution: once-discarded jet engines.
Heat of this event
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