AI power rush sends data centres hunting for used turbines and jet engines
XLI•AI data centre developers are seeking used gas turbines and repurposed jet engines as US turbine delivery times average six years. Global turbine orders exceed 100 GW, compared with annual manufacturing capacity of 60 GW to 70 GW.
1. Supply falls short
Utilities, developers and companies building AI data centres are searching for second-hand and refurbished turbines and converted jet engines as new-equipment lead times stretch into 2030 and 2031. Global turbine orders top 100 GW, while estimated manufacturing capacity is 60 GW to 70 GW.
2. Used equipment costs less
Well-maintained used turbines can sell for about $1.5 million to $1.7 million per MW, and refurbished units for about $1.3 million, compared with about $2 million to $2.5 million per MW for new turbines. Two 14.5-MW turbines recently sold for $12.5 million, or about $430,000 per MW; new units would cost about $35 million and take five years to deliver, ReflowX’s Dan Poole said.
3. Alternatives and constraints
Used and converted equipment can have maintenance, remaining-life and operating questions, and the secondary market is unlikely to offset a meaningful share of delays, Enverus Intelligence Research’s Noor Qureshi said. Finland’s Wartsila has booked around 3 GW of orders since spring last year from US data centres for gas-engine power units.
