A theoretical estimate of jet-engine power capacity has revived interest in the US aircraft “Boneyard,” though real-world hurdles remain formidable.
Summary:
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Retired US military aircraft engines flagged as power source
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Theoretical capacity estimated near 40,000 MW
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Turbofan engines offer most potential
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Conversion costs and logistics remain prohibitive
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Concept highlights data-centre power constraints
The vast “Boneyard” of retired US military aircraft in the Arizona desert has long been seen as a graveyard for ageing hardware. Now, amid a global scramble for fast-deployable power, it is being floated as a potential, if highly theoretical, source of electricity generation.
Located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the Boneyard houses roughly 4,000 retired military aircraft. With data-centre operators increasingly turning to modified jet engines as temporary or back-up power sources, the question has emerged: could the engines from these aircraft be repurposed to generate electricity at scale?
On paper, the numbers are eye-catching. A rough estimate suggests the engines once used by aircraft in storage could theoretically deliver up to 40,000 megawatts (MW) of capacity, around 10% more than Arizona’s current total generating capacity. But this headline figure comes with heavy caveats. The estimate reflects theoretical output, not deployable power, and assumes engines remain intact, serviceable, and available after an average of more than a decade in storage.
The largest potential contribution would come from turbofan engines, which could account for around 32,000 MW of capacity. Aeroderivative power turbines already exist, using aircraft engine cores adapted for electricity generation. For example, GE Vernova’s LM6000 turbine is derived from the CF6 aircraft engine family, and refurbished CF6 units are already commercially available. Even so, purpose-built power turbines are typically more efficient and optimised than retrofitted aviation engines, raising questions over cost and performance.
Other engine types offer far less promise. Turboshaft engines from retired helicopters may collectively amount to around 1,600 MW, but their small size, removal complexity and inferior efficiency compared with modern diesel generators make large-scale deployment questionable. Turboprop engines, including those from aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules, could theoretically add another 7,300 MW, though conversion costs would again be substantial.
In practice, the idea looks more like an illustration of energy scarcity than a near-term solution. While repurposing some engines may be feasible for niche applications, the Boneyard is unlikely to become a meaningful power source without costs and logistical hurdles overwhelming the benefits.
US Energy Administration (EIA) the source for this ..
