Artificial intelligence has made electricity the scarce resource in data center construction, and a gas turbine first built for aircraft is now one of the fastest ways to supply it. This post looks at why the LM2500 is being installed at data center sites, and what it takes to keep one running.

Why data centers are turning to gas turbines

New data centers need power faster than the grid can deliver it. Developers who cannot wait years for a utility connection are building their own generation on site, and natural gas turbines are the usual choice.

The difficulty is supply. Modern Power Systems reported in February 2026 that developers face waits of two to three years, and in some cases more than five, for new gas turbines. It put undelivered orders at about 60 gigawatts (GW) in early 2025, and quoted a Google executive saying that slots for new turbines now run out to 2030.

That pressure favours machines that are compact, quick to install and already proven in large numbers.

Why the LM2500 fits

The LM2500 is an aeroderivative gas turbine: an industrial engine developed from an aircraft engine. It is lighter and faster to start than a heavy-duty frame machine of similar output, and it has one of the longest service records in the industry.

GE Vernova's figures for the current LM2500XPRESS package show why it suits a data center site:

Feature	Figure
Net output per unit	34.5 to 36.3 megawatts (MW)
Net efficiency	39 to 39.4%
Start time	5 minutes
Reliability	Above 99.8%
Factory assembly	95%
Site installation	Less than 30 days
Fleet experience	About 140 million operating hours

The engine also burns a wide range of fuels, including natural gas, diesel and hydrogen blends.

The largest example so far is Crusoe, which builds AI data centers. It ordered 10 LM2500XPRESS units in December 2024 and 19 more in June 2025. GE Vernova says the 29 units together will supply nearly 1 GW, and Data Center Dynamics links the order to the campus Crusoe is developing in Abilene, Texas.

Running around the clock changes the parts picture

Many LM2500 units have spent their lives on peaking or standby duty, starting when the grid needs them and running for a few hours. A data center asks for something different: steady power, day and night.

Continuous running adds fired hours quickly. Hot section inspections come round sooner, and the parts that wear with temperature, such as combustor liners, fuel nozzles and turbine blades and nozzles, are replaced more often. An unplanned outage is also more costly when a computing campus depends on the unit.

For an operator, that makes parts planning as important as the turbine order itself. Knowing where replacement components will come from, how long they take and what documentation arrives with them is best settled before the first major inspection.

How TrustTechs supports LM2500 operators

TrustTechs supplies capital and spare parts for the LM2500, backed by engineering on every component.

Compressor: blades, vanes and variable stator hardware.
Combustion: combustor liners and fuel nozzles.
Turbine: high pressure turbine blades and nozzles, and power turbine components.
Bearings: main shaft roller and ball bearings (No. 3R, 4R, 4B, 5R and 7B), bearing rings, and inlet and accessory gearbox bearings.
Spare and consumable parts: seals, O-rings, gaskets, fasteners and small hardware, supplied by engine module for scheduled maintenance.

Each order is engineered against a defined specification, manufactured or sourced under controlled procedures, and delivered with a full dossier: drawings, material certificates, inspection and test reports, and traceability records.

If you operate LM2500 units, or are planning a site that will, send your parts list or enquiry to sales@trusttechs.ca.

TrustTechs is an independent engineering and service company. Manufacturer and model names are used for reference only.