A new report from Cleanview identifies 46 data centers with a combined capacity of 56 GW that plan to build their own power "behind-the-meter."
That represents roughly 30% of all planned data center capacity in the United States, according to Cleanview's project tracker.
“In the last year, this trend has gone from niche to mainstream. 90% of the projects we identified—representing approximately 50 GW—were announced in 2025 alone,” wrote Michael Thomas, CEO of Cleanview, in a summary of the report.
When the research began, “we were skeptical of many of these projects—as all analysts should be. Data center developers often pursue multiple projects with the intention of only building one (the "phantom project" phenomenon). Turbine manufacturers have said lead times for their equipment now stretch as long as 5-7 years. Local opposition to data centers is rising,” he wrote.
"But we think much of this capacity is likely to come online soon. Many of the projects we identified are already under construction—in some cases with crews working through the night. Many of those that aren't under construction have been permitted and have placed equipment orders."
Cleanview was able to identify specific equipment deals at approximately two-thirds of the projects it tracked—commitments to manufacturers like GE Vernova, Caterpillar, Siemens, and Doosan that signal serious intent.
The equipment being deployed is not what utilities typically buy to generate power, according to Cleanview.
Heavy-duty combined-cycle gas turbines—the most efficient option for baseload power—have long lead times and are largely unavailable.
Data center developers are instead turning to:
• Mobile gas generators strapped to semitrucks
• Aeroderivative turbines originally designed for aircraft and warships
• Reciprocating engines that ramp fast, but are less efficient
• Refurbished turbines acquired from industrial operations
"In our research, we came across a company that typically sells cruise ship engines that struck a deal to power a data center. One developer, unable to secure enough conventional turbines, placed a $1.25 billion order with Boom Supersonic—a company that has never sold a power generation product," wrote Thomas.
"Power generation efficiency is out. Speed to power is all that developers care about. AI data centers can generate $10–12 million per MW annually, or $10–12 billion per GW. Bringing a data center online even a few years early could result in tens of billions in revenue that would otherwise be forgone. In this environment, developers are willing to overlook inefficiencies that could cost millions of dollars," Thomas added.
