Data centers are turning to old jet engines to generate power as grid waits grow

Summary

Data center builders are turning to discarded jet engines for power because of long waits for grid connections and new turbines. The New York Times reports that old, polluting jet engines are being scavenged to power data centers, with demand for engines surging, according to officials at the Pinal Air Park in Arizona, one of several desert parking lots for unused aircraft. TechCrunch reports that the years-long wait for grid access and new turbines is pushing data center builders toward this less-efficient and less environmentally friendly solution.

Timeline

1. The New York Times

   3 Nov 2026, 10:00 UTCSource ↗

   The New York Times reports that old, polluting jet engines are being scavenged to power data centers, and that demand for engines is surging, according to Pinal officials at the Pinal Air Park in Arizona, one of several desert parking lots for unused aircraft.

2. TechCrunch

   3 Nov 2026, 22:19 UTCSource ↗

   TechCrunch reports that years-long waits for grid access and new turbines are causing data center builders to turn to once-discarded jet engines, a less-efficient and less environmentally friendly solution.