Anthropic is reportedly spending $3.4 billion to purchase natural gas generators capable of producing up to 1.7 gigawatts of electricity, as rising AI computing demand creates mounting pressure on power infrastructure. The acquisition represents a significant change in strategy for the AI company, which has historically relied on rented computing capacity rather than owning physical infrastructure.
According to a Financial Times report, Anthropic is purchasing Caterpillar generators originally ordered by energy equipment supplier OnePWR. The transaction comes as electricity availability becomes an increasingly important constraint on AI data center development.
Anthropic Moves Beyond Rented Computing Infrastructure
Anthropic has traditionally preferred long-term agreements with infrastructure providers instead of purchasing equipment directly. In its May 2026 regulatory filing, the company disclosed an agreement to pay SpaceX subsidiary xAI approximately $1.25 billion monthly for computing capacity through May 2029.
The company also indicated that it expected to sign additional infrastructure service agreements as its computing requirements increased. However, tightening electricity supplies and longer equipment delivery schedules have made securing power capacity increasingly difficult.
Natural gas turbine manufacturers are facing order backlogs extending into the early 2030s, while electricity grid connection requests can also take years to complete. Purchasing existing equipment orders could allow Anthropic to secure generating capacity sooner than ordering new turbines.
Caterpillar Generators Originally Ordered by OnePWR
The generators were initially ordered by OnePWR several years ago, but the supplier reportedly struggled to secure financing to complete the purchase. Anthropic initially planned to acquire the equipment through OnePWR before arranging a direct purchase from Caterpillar.
The equipment has a combined electricity generation capacity of up to 1.7 gigawatts, equivalent to 1,700 megawatts. This capacity would provide a substantial source of power for energy-intensive AI computing operations.
The Financial Times did not establish why OnePWR encountered financing difficulties despite Anthropic’s reported interest. Details about the generators’ installation locations and expected operational dates were also not disclosed.
Technology Companies Increase Natural Gas Investments
Anthropic joins several major technology companies investing in natural gas infrastructure to support expanding data center operations. Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta have announced projects involving dedicated gas-fired power generation, allowing facilities to supplement or reduce their reliance on public electricity grids.
The growing demand for natural gas is also raising concerns about environmental impacts and future energy costs. Increased reliance on gas-fired electricity could lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, while fluctuations in fuel prices may affect the long-term operating expenses of AI infrastructure.
One forecast suggests U.S. data centers could consume more natural gas than Germany and Japan combined by 2035 if planned projects proceed. Separate projections indicate that natural gas prices could more than triple in certain markets by the end of the decade.
Anthropic has not publicly confirmed the reported $3.4 billion transaction or disclosed how the generators would be distributed across its data center operations. The purchase comes as the company prepares for a potential public listing and faces growing pressure to secure the electricity needed for its expanding AI services.
Featured image credits: Magnific.com
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