Repurposed Jet Engines Become Unlikely Power Source for AI Data Centers
In an unexpected energy solution, data centers supporting artificial intelligence operations are adopting repurposed aircraft engines for power generation. These modified jet turbines can produce up to 48 megawatts each, providing immediate electricity where traditional utilities can’t keep pace. The approach offers both temporary and long-term power solutions for energy-intensive computing facilities.
Aviation Technology Meets Data Center Demands
As artificial intelligence workloads strain global energy infrastructure, data center operators are turning to an unconventional power source: repurposed jet engines. According to reports from IEEE Spectrum, Missouri-based company ProEnergy has found significant demand for modified General Electric CF6-80C2 jet cores that originally powered Boeing 767 aircraft. These high-bypass turbofan engines, sources indicate, are being converted into stationary generators capable of delivering massive electrical output for computing facilities.