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Boom Supersonic Uses Jet Engines to Power Off-Grid AI Data Center

Boom Supersonic Repurposes Jet Engines to Power Off-Grid AI Data Centers
In response to the surging energy demands of artificial intelligence, Boom Supersonic, a Colorado-based aerospace startup, has embarked on an innovative venture to adapt its jet engine technology for power generation. Originally dedicated to reviving commercial supersonic flight, the company is now addressing a critical challenge faced by AI data centers: the electric grid’s inability to meet the rapidly increasing electricity consumption required to sustain AI workloads.
From Supersonic Flight to Ground-Based Power Generation
Central to Boom’s new initiative is the Symphony engine, initially developed for the Overture supersonic airliner designed to reduce transatlantic flight times. Recognizing the prolonged delays in securing new grid connections, AI data centers are increasingly turning to off-grid power solutions. Boom’s response is the Superpower turbine, a natural gas-fired, ground-based unit derived from its aviation technology. Each Superpower turbine can generate 42 megawatts—sufficient to power a small city—while maintaining operational efficiency in extreme heat and without the need for water cooling. This approach offers a practical alternative amid the limitations of traditional power sources and the intermittency challenges associated with renewable energy, particularly for the continuous, high-demand nature of AI operations.
Boom’s strategy has moved swiftly from concept to commercial application. The company recently secured a significant contract with Crusoe Energy Systems, a firm specializing in modular data centers for AI and cryptocurrency mining. The agreement encompasses 29 Superpower units, delivering a combined capacity of 1.21 gigawatts, supported by a recent $300 million funding round. This development positions Boom as a dual player in both advancing supersonic aviation and providing tailored energy solutions for the technology sector’s most demanding users.
Engineering Innovation and Market Challenges
Boom’s power generation initiative is deeply rooted in its aerospace expertise. After major engine manufacturers such as GE and Rolls-Royce declined collaboration, Boom independently developed the Symphony engine, employing advanced materials and additive manufacturing techniques to achieve high thrust, reduced noise, and lower emissions. These attributes, optimized for flight, have proven advantageous when adapted for stationary power generation. CEO Blake Scholl has explained that the concept originated from observing AI companies like xAI and OpenAI deploying off-grid power plants using converted jet engines. Boom’s adaptation process involves removing flight-specific components and optimizing the engines for continuous, ground-based operation. Unlike conventional industrial turbines, Superpower units are modular and trailer-mounted, allowing rapid deployment at remote data center locations—a critical benefit given the lengthy grid connection backlogs and regulatory obstacles.
Despite its promise, Boom faces significant challenges. The company must contend with established power turbine manufacturers and navigate complex regulatory environments. Extensive testing is necessary to validate the reliability and efficiency of its repurposed engines. Some traditional data center operators remain skeptical about whether jet engine-based power solutions can compete with the cost-effectiveness of conventional energy sources. Additionally, there is concern that Boom’s focus on power generation could divert resources from the development of its Overture airliner, potentially delaying its commercial launch. Meanwhile, competitors in both aerospace and energy sectors may pursue similar technologies to capitalize on this rapidly expanding market.
As AI’s electricity consumption continues to escalate—training large language models can require as much power as entire households annually—Boom Supersonic’s cross-industry initiative underscores the urgency and complexity of powering the next generation of digital infrastructure.

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