Denver-based AI data center company Crusoe has terminated its $1.25 billion agreement to acquire 29 Superpower turbines from Boom Supersonic, a fellow Denver startup known for developing supersonic jet engines. Crusoe, which transitioned from bitcoin mining to becoming a leading AI data center builder, had planned to integrate Boom’s 42-megawatt natural gas turbines into its facilities, including a large campus in Abilene, Texas that supports OpenAI.
Boom Supersonic launched the Superpower turbine business last year, adapting about 80% of the parts from its Symphony engine, originally designed for its Overture supersonic passenger jet, to create stationary power plants. Crusoe was set to be the first customer, with initial turbine deliveries scheduled for 2027.
However, Boom Supersonic CEO Blake Scholl confirmed on social media that the partnership was discontinued because turbines are no longer part of Crusoe’s near-term primary power strategy. Scholl noted that Boom plans to deliver approximately 250 megawatts of Superpower turbines to other customers in 2024 and aims for 1 gigawatt by 2028.
Crusoe spokesperson Andrew Schmitt told TechGlitz that the company is pursuing a flexible energy approach across its growing portfolio, incorporating a mix of turbines, wind, solar, batteries, and grid power depending on site-specific needs. While acknowledging Boom as a valuable partner, Crusoe said the turbine deal no longer fits its current plans.
Currently, Crusoe’s 1.2 gigawatt data center in Abilene, built for Oracle and OpenAI, is powered primarily by the electrical grid with a gas turbine plant serving as backup. Another 900 megawatt data center under construction for Microsoft in the same area will use on-site gas turbines.
The loss of Crusoe as a launch customer presents a challenge for Boom Supersonic’s stationary power business, which raised $300 million last year to commercialize the Superpower turbines. The company had intended profits from this venture to support development of its Overture jet. Boom continues to seek other customers and remains open to future collaboration with Crusoe if turbine use aligns with their energy needs.