Ansaldo Energia is returning to the U.S. market for newly built power plants after an absence of more than 30 years, securing an order tied to America’s expanding digital infrastructure.
The Genoa-based energy engineering company signed an agreement with Pacifico Energy to supply eight AE64.3A gas turbines and their generators for a data center project in Texas. Financial terms were not disclosed. Initial deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, and the agreement could create opportunities for additional projects between the 2 companies.
The turbines will operate in a 60-hertz configuration designed specifically for markets such as the United States. The AE64.3A is Ansaldo Energia’s compact F-class model, combining a gearbox-based system with a dedicated generator package. More than 70 units are operating worldwide, with a record exceeding 4 million equivalent operating hours.
Each turbine can produce 78 megawatts under standard conditions, giving the 8-unit installation capacity of roughly 624 megawatts. Its rapid-start capability, fuel flexibility and operational range make the model suitable for data centers, where uninterrupted electricity and redundant power systems are essential.
The Texas contract reflects soaring demand for electricity generated by artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other digital services. Ansaldo Energia said the machines can support both grid-connected facilities and behind-the-meter generation, allowing data center operators to produce power on-site. Cogeneration is also possible, improving overall energy efficiency. For the Italian manufacturer, the order restores a long-absent position in one of the world’s most competitive energy markets while showcasing Italian engineering in a fast-growing American industry.
