(Oil & Gas 360) – The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence data centers is creating a global market for used natural gas turbines and converted aircraft engines as developers seek electricity generation equipment that can be delivered faster than newly manufactured units.Utilities, technology companies and independent power developers are competing for limited supplies of generating equipment as manufacturing backlogs extend into the next decade, according to a Reuters report published November 9.Wood Mackenzie estimates that global gas turbine orders exceed 100 gigawatts, compared with annual manufacturing capacity of approximately 60 to 70 gigawatts.In the United States, new turbine deliveries currently require an average of six years, with some orders being discussed for delivery in 2030 or 2031.The shortage is encouraging developers to purchase refurbished turbines, reactivate previously retired equipment and convert aircraft engines for electricity generation.AI infrastructure developer Crusoe ordered 13 aeroderivative gas turbines from ProEnergy in April, representing approximately 650 megawatts of generating capacity for U.S. data center projects.The equipment uses technology derived from aircraft engines manufactured by GE Aerospace.Manufacturers including GE Vernova, Siemens Energy and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have reported demand exceeding available production capacity.Equipment pricing reflects the imbalance.According to industry estimates, new gas turbines cost approximately $2 million to $2.5 million per megawatt, while well-maintained used units can sell for $1.5 million to $1.7 million per megawatt.Refurbished units may cost approximately $1.3 million per megawatt, although pricing varies considerably depending on equipment condition, capacity and configuration.The secondary market also presents technical and financial risks.Older turbines may have uncertain maintenance histories, shorter remaining operating lives and higher servicing requirements. Aircraft engines converted for power generation can face additional challenges when operated continuously rather than under their original aviation duty cycles.Industry analysts caution that the limited availability of used equipment means the secondary market cannot fully resolve the supply shortage.The competition is also affecting traditional utilities and rural electric cooperatives, which face higher equipment costs and longer delivery schedules.Alternative generating technologies are gaining attention. Finnish manufacturer Wärtsilä reported approximately 3 gigawatts of U.S. data center orders for natural gas engine systems since spring 2025.For energy investors, the equipment shortage highlights the growing relationship between artificial intelligence development and natural gas infrastructure.Increased on-site generation could support additional gas demand, pipeline connections, fuel supply agreements and equipment servicing activity.However, project economics will depend on natural gas prices, equipment efficiency, environmental permits, grid access and long-term electricity requirements.The market increasingly places a premium on generation capacity that can be installed quickly, making equipment availability an important factor in determining which data center projects advance and when.Disclaimer This informational, opinion, and insights article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice. The views expressed are based on publicly available information and market conditions at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.