The gas turbine industry is facing severe supply chain challenges, with backlogs extending years into the future. Rotor forgings and hot-section blades are primary bottlenecks, prompting delayed deliveries and increased emphasis on component re-use. New vendors offer no quick fix, with materials costs rising and competition intensifying for nickel superalloys and cobalt.

Demand for gas turbines is driven by data centers, limited dispatchable power options, and electricity growth from electrification. New coal generation is no longer viable, but natural gas supplies are abundant. Data centers are driving short-term demand for dispatchable power, creating opportunities for new market entrants.

Utilities facing backlogs until 2030 are extending the life of existing thermal assets, pursuing repowering projects, and implementing turbine uprates. Renewables paired with battery storage are part of the capacity mix, and smaller, modular solutions are gaining popularity. Orders for turbines under 20 MW reached record highs in 2025.

Quality problems may arise when supply chains are stretched, making it difficult to trace issues once components enter service. EPRI’s research has been key in detecting quality issues early, and the competitive landscape is evolving. The backlog’s duration is uncertain, but it may lead to a more diversified and resilient power generation fleet in the long term.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Gas Turbine Supply Chain Bottlenecks Could Reshape the Generation Mix in 2030 and Beyond