Data centers powering the AI boom are increasingly turning to natural gas, driven by demand for reliable on-site power. Boom Supersonic, known for supersonic jet development, has inked a $1.25 billion agreement with Crusoe to supply jet-engine gas turbines for data centers. This follows a broader trend where developers like Meta and Caterpillar are deploying unconventional gas sources, including reciprocating engines and aeroderivative turbines, to meet surging power needs.

The rush to build natural gas capacity, projected to add 1,000+ gigawatts globally, threatens to significantly increase carbon emissions, potentially adding 44 million metric tons of CO2 annually by 2030, equivalent to 10 million cars' emissions. Experts warn this fossil fuel dependency risks crowding out clean energy growth.