The U.S. is seeing a surprising surge in gas-fired power plant development, and it’s shaking up the energy sector in a big way. More than 100 gigawatts of new natural gas capacity have been announced, driven by rising electricity demand from artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, manufacturing reshoring, and battery storage expansion. It’s a building boom — but it comes with a big price tag.
This unexpected spike has caused a massive shift in business trends across the energy infrastructure space. Turbine manufacturers like GE Vernova, Mitsubishi Power, and Siemens Energy are now facing years-long order backlogs. Lead times have ballooned to over five years, and the average cost per kilowatt has more than doubled — jumping from $1,000 to $2,500. What was once a routine utility upgrade is now a costly, long-term commitment.
Strained Supply Chains and Soaring Prices
Behind this gas rush is a perfect storm of market dynamics. As more companies race to meet AI-powered energy demand, procurement teams are scrambling for turbines, specialized labor, and regulatory approvals. And while the industry is no stranger to big builds, this wave is testing even the most prepared developers.
The shift is also changing long-term business trends, especially in project planning and investment. Developers who delayed projects in hopes of better pricing are now facing sticker shock, while others are forced to redesign or re-scope entirely due to equipment delays. These rapid-fire adjustments show how quickly business trends can swing when infrastructure, innovation, and energy collide.
What It Means for the Future
For stakeholders across energy, tech, and manufacturing, this is more than a pricing issue — it’s a strategy reset. Companies that once saw gas as a bridge fuel are now betting big on it, at least in the short term. But with renewables still in the mix and federal policy in flux, today’s surge could look very different in just a few years.
In the meantime, this gas-fired sprint highlights how fast-moving business trends are shaping not just how we power up — but how we plan, invest, and adapt in a volatile energy landscape.
