Gas has become a go-to choice in light of recent increased electricity demand. But there’s one problem: a turbine supply crunch.
This isn’t completely a surprise. Natural gas has long been considered a bridge fuel to be used as a tool in decarbonization. It can provide dispatchable 24/7 power to complement renewables while we wait for next generation technologies to catch up.
But the rate at which new gas projects are being proposed is drastically increasing. Thanks to a rise in power demand from data centers, AI, manufacturing, and electrification, gas is seeing a huge spike. How can turbine manufacturers keep up?
Right now, major manufacturers like GE Vernova and Siemens Energy are facing backlogs, with lead times stretching years for new builds. Some utilities and independent power producers are searching for other suppliers, including aftermarket parts.
According to the International Energy Agency, global gas-fired generation hit 1,615 TWh in 2024, a 2.6% increase from the previous year and a “new global high.” If data center growth remains on track, we can expect this number to continue to increase.
Will this turbine crunch lead to power shortages? Or can manufacturers ramp up in time?
