Old, Polluting Jet Engines Are Being Scavenged to Power Data Centers

Data centers need electricity faster than utilities and grid connections can provide it, prompting developers to turn retired aircraft engines into generators. Companies are stripping engines from planes stored in Southwest “boneyards,” modifying them to burn natural gas or diesel, and coupling them to electrical generators. Each converted turbine can produce about 50 megawatts, and companies say they can bring data centers online in roughly two years rather than waiting years for grid access. Suppliers including ProEnergy and FTAI Aviation are expanding this business; xAI has installed eight converted turbines at a Mississippi data center, while regulatory filings show other projects tied to major technology companies. The engines’ availability and speed of deployment are prized even though they require substantial fuel and maintenance.

The trade-off is dirtier, less efficient power. Converted jet turbines can emit more pollution per unit of electricity than purpose-built power-plant turbines; permits for xAI’s units allow higher limits for carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds than other turbines at the site. Environmental advocates challenge the approvals, citing emissions concerns and the health risks to nearby communities, including a predominantly Black population. The dispute comes as the Trump administration urges data centers to generate their own electricity and has argued that environmental litigation against xAI could threaten U.S. A.I. leadership. Industry experts expect speed to dominate for now, but warn that fuel costs, efficiency, heat, maintenance and emissions may become harder to ignore as these generators are used at scale.