AI driving GE Vernova to ramp capacity at gas turbine factory

Summary

CNBC's Seema Mody reports from GE Vernova's Greenville plant, highlighting a major capacity expansion to meet surging gas turbine demand from AI data center hyperscalers. Orders are sold out until 2029, data center demand is only 20% of the order book but growing, and GE Vernova's operational lead over Mitsubishi and Siemens reinforces its stock outperformance. Environmental pushback is being addressed but not slowing demand.

• GE Vernova expanding 400-acre plant, hiring 500+ new employees to accelerate turbine production
• Gas turbines are 30ft tall, 280 tons, highly complex, with long lead times
• Hyperscalers using natural gas turbines to power AI data centers; all major AI executives have visited the factory
• Company says order book for gas turbines is effectively sold out until 2029
• Data center orders represent only ~20% of the turbine order book, with expectations for growth
• GE Vernova seen as operational leader vs. Mitsubishi and Siemens; stock benefiting from demand surge
• Environmental and noise concerns are being addressed but not impacting demand