AI cluster builders bypass the grid: gas turbines, fuel cells and SMRs come onsite
AccBalanced · x · 2026-09-08
A discussion on the power crunch facing AI datacenter builders in the US: companies are looking past normal utility interconnect and getting creative with onsite generation.
- Gas turbines: SpaceX reportedly manufacturing turbine blades in Texas — a signal companies may pull the power stack in-house
- Fuel cells getting a second look; geothermal improves with flexible site selection
- Nuclear/SMRs back in the conversation despite brutal timelines
- Simpler shift: pick sites by available power first, build second
The thesis: if the grid can't keep up, major players will internalize power supply.
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