Amid the rapid increase in demand for electricity for artificial intelligence data centers, companies have begun converting aviation jet engines into gas turbines for electricity generation.
This is reported by Business • Media
- The conversion of jet engines allows for the quick resolution of power shortages for data centers.
- Demand from the AI industry is prompting the emergence of new players in the energy market.
The active expansion of infrastructure for artificial intelligence is driving companies to seek new sources of electricity for data centers. One of the innovations has been the use of aviation jet engines, which are being modified into modern gas turbines for ground use.
FTA Aviation, a company specializing in leasing and servicing jet engines, plans to launch a modified version of the Boeing 737 engine for electricity generation by 2026. Following the announcement of this initiative in December 2025, FTAI’s stock rose by approximately 42%, but subsequently underwent a correction — as of February 23, its pre-market price stands at $286.
Jet Engine Conversion: A New Approach to Energy
Other companies are also joining the development of such solutions. In particular, ProEnergy sells turbines based on Boeing 747 engines, while Boom Supersonic is preparing installations for data centers using aviation technologies — among their clients is the startup Crusoe. According to experts, jet engines are distinguished by their high power and reliability, making them ideal for ground electricity generation.
Industry specialists highlight two main methods of adapting jet engines: switching from aviation fuel to natural gas or replacing a large fan with a more compact one, optimizing energy production.
FTA Aviation President David Moreno stated that the company needs 30 to 45 days to convert an engine into a power turbine. The development of the solution took about 18 months
Growing Market and New Opportunities
Major energy equipment manufacturers, such as GE Vernova, Siemens Energy, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, already offer aeroderivative turbines, but their delivery times can stretch for years. This creates opportunities for new companies capable of meeting market needs more quickly.
Each year, about 1,600 aviation engines are retired from service. Their modernization for energy needs helps increase available capacities and partially addresses the issue of electricity shortages for data centers.
With the development of AI technologies, the demand for additional energy supply sources is growing. It is estimated that by 2026, capital expenditures on infrastructure for artificial intelligence will exceed $700 billion. This stimulates the emergence of innovative approaches to energy generation and opens new niches in the market.
It is known that OpenAI plans to invest $600 billion in building computing power for AI by 2030. Active investments in the artificial intelligence sector create a sustainable demand for alternative sources of electricity, including those based on aviation engines.