AI Data Centers Are Scrambling for Turbines—Which Stocks Stand to Gain?

AI data center developers are looking around the world for used power equipment.

Reuters reported today that buyers are seeking second-hand gas turbines, refurbishing idle machines and even adapting retired jet engines for power generation.

New gas turbines now take an average of six years to arrive in the U.S., according to a Wood Mackenzie analyst. Some delivery discussions are focused on 2030–2031.

We remain positive on the power-equipment side of the AI buildout. Customers want to get their facilities running and are willing to spend to bring that date forward.

Manufacturers that can deliver equipment and support it reliably have a stronger hand in pricing. That is beginning to show in their earnings.

GE Vernova and Caterpillar fell about 9.8% and 10.3%, respectively, last week as concerns about slower AI investment weighed on their shares. Both have recently reported improving businesses, giving investors a reason to take another look after the selloff.

Getting Power Earlier Means Billing Earlier

A data center can have a finished building and servers ready to go, yet still be unable to serve customers because the power is not available. Construction and financing costs continue while revenue has to wait.

Used equipment and modular generating systems offer developers more ways to get started. A faster solution makes financial sense when the revenue earned from opening earlier covers the additional cost of supplying power.

In April, Crusoe ordered 13 PROENERGY aeroderivative gas turbine generator sets, each rated at 50 megawatts, for a combined 650 M…