Anthropic has agreed to spend $3.4 billion to secure 1.7 gigawatts of gas-fired generators for its AI data centers, according to a Financial Times report. The agreement, reached in late September, involves the company taking over existing equipment orders originally placed with Caterpillar by Texas-based supplier OnePWR Solutions. The deal also covers the engineering and construction work required to install the equipment.
By assuming OnePWR Solutions' existing commitments, which were placed approximately two years ago, Anthropic avoids the lengthy wait times currently plaguing the industry. Manufacturers are struggling to meet a surge in demand, with global turbine orders reportedly exceeding 100GW while manufacturing capacity is estimated at only 60GW to 70GW. In the United States, average delivery times for large gas turbines have reached six years, with some orders extending into 2030 or 2031.
Unlike other industry players that are purchasing new equipment or acquiring companies, Anthropic is stepping into existing orders to bypass production delays. This strategy allows the company to secure power infrastructure without waiting for Caterpillar to find a new slot in its production schedule. The move comes as AI companies increasingly seek ways to bring large computing facilities online without waiting for conventional grid connections.
The reliance on gas-fired generation has drawn criticism from environmental advocates. Shakeel Hashim, founder of ReadTransformer, criticized the move, stating, "This is pretty grim—these kinds of generators are terrible for the environment."
Anthropic's decision highlights a growing trend of AI firms seeking direct control over energy supplies. While some competitors have turned to converted jet turbines or in-house manufacturing to mitigate supply chain constraints, Anthropic's approach focuses on securing established orders and the necessary installation capabilities to ensure rapid deployment.
