Old jet engines scavenged to power data centers
The gist
The New York Times reports old, polluting jet engines are being scavenged and converted into data-center generators.
U.S. data centers' soaring power demand is reviving retired engines, raising pollution concerns.
How it unfolded
- recentlyA GE Vernova filing shows buyers ordered 57 jet turbines, up from 9.
- recentlyElon Musk's xAI has installed eight converted turbines in Mississippi to power one of its massive data centers, according to state permits and satellite imagery reviewed by The New York Times.
- Oct 31, 2026FTAI Aviation reports Q3 2026 sales rose 46.6% year on year to $977.7 million, with GAAP profit of $1.42 per share 1.2% below analysts' consensus; management says it is ramping up production in its Power segment to meet demand for behind-the-meter energy solutions, especially for data centers.