AI Data Centre Boom Sparks Global Hunt for Used Gas Turbines and Jet Engines

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) data centres is triggering a global scramble for second-hand gas turbines, refurbished power equipment and repurposed jet engines as manufacturers struggle to meet soaring demand. With delivery timelines for new gas turbines extending to 2030–2031, data centre developers and energy companies are increasingly turning to the secondary market to secure power supplies. Industry experts say the market for used and refurbished turbines has become highly competitive, with prices rising sharply amid limited availability.

Global gas turbine orders have reportedly exceeded 100 gigawatts (GW), significantly surpassing the estimated annual manufacturing capacity of 60–70 GW. Major manufacturers, including Siemens Energy, GE Vernova and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, have acknowledged that AI-driven demand has pushed orders beyond their production capabilities. In the United States, data centres alone are expected to require nearly 17 GW of power this year, with demand projected to more than triple by 2028. While used turbines offer a comparatively affordable and faster alternative, concerns remain over maintenance history, equipment lifespan and long-term reliability.

The growing supply crunch is also benefiting alternative power technologies. Companies are exploring smaller turbines, converting retired aircraft engines into power generators and deploying gas engine-based systems to meet immediate requirements. Finland-based Wartsila has secured approximately 3 GW in orders from US data centres for gas engine power units since spring 2025. However, analysts caution that refurbished equipment can only partially address the widening supply gap, as grid connectivity, regulatory approvals and other infrastructure challenges continue to delay projects. The AI boom is therefore reshaping the global energy market, creating new opportunities for equipment suppliers while intensifying pressure on existing power infrastructure.

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