> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.aterio.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.aterio.io/data-products/power-generation-projects/our-modeling-approach/construction-and-equipment-installation-turbines-and-reciprocating-engines.md). # Construction & Equipment Installation: Turbines and Reciprocating Engines ### Our Approach Aterio tracks every U.S. power generation project at the individual type of technology level using satellite imagery, permit filings, county records, and local media. Each building is assigned a construction completion percentage based on visual benchmarks verified by our analysts. This document focuses on when and how equipment installation becomes visible during the construction lifecycle - the stages most relevant to estimating activation timelines. #### **Announced Stage (0%)** * 0% - No visible construction activity. The phase remains in the “Announced” stage. #### **Site Preparation (5–20%)** * 5% - Land clearing and vegetation removal. The stage moves to “Construction”. * 10% - Land cleared and levelled. Site preparation complete. * 20% - Early construction footprint established and temporary laydown yards and staging areas appear. #### **Concrete Foundations and Civil Work (30–40%)** * 30% - Excavations and underground pipeline work is visible. The plant layout begins to emerge. * 40% - Concrete pads are poured and major foundation works are largely completed. The final plant layout is clearly identifiable. #### **Major Equipment Installation (50–60%)** * 50% - Machinery and initial equipment is arriving on site. Installation is underway. * 60% - Major general equipment is installed. Installation of the plant’s vertical structures begin, as exhaust stacks and gas containers are built. Electric generators (e.g. turbines, reciprocating engines) begin arriving on site. #### **Vertical Structures and Power Systems (70–80%)** * 70% - Exhaust stacks, air inlet houses, and electric generator installations are completed. * 80% - Electrical yard equipment and wiring are installed, together with transformers. #### **Site Completion (90–100%)** * 90% - All of the plant’s essential operating equipment is installed and ready to be energized * 100% - Sound-dampening fencing is installed, if applicable. The plant is ready to operate. The phase moves to the “Active” stage. ### Longhorn Behind-the-Meter (BTM) Longhorn BTM is the power generation project for the constant electricity supply to the data center with the same name. It’s developed for Crusoe. It is located in Abilene, in the Taylor County (TX), and involves Simple-Cycle Natural Gas turbines as technology for the generation process. #### Civil Works and Equipment Installation **Stages: 30% - 60%** From this image, it can be seen different stages at the same time. On the right side, multiple excavations have taken place in the specific areas set for the natural gas generators. That can be attributed mainly to the installation of the natural gas pipeline, which can be directly appreciated. On the left side, the process has a major advancement in which the foundations are already poured and the turbines’ equipment are in the installation process.

Figure: Satellite image of Longhorn Data Center BTM. Source: Google Earth. Imagery © Google, 2025.

#### Major Equipment Installation and Vertical Structures **Stages: 60%-80%** At this stage, most of the turbines’ equipment is already installed or finishing this process since the turbines and exhausts are in place. There’s no heavy installation machinery. In addition, the vertical installations are already installed. Nonetheless, there’s construction equipment around the facilities.

Figure: Satellite image of Longhorn Data Center BTM. Source: Vantor. Imagery © Vantor, 2026.

#### Fully Equipped & Near-Activation **Stages: 90%-100%** At this stage, the project is completely finished. There is no machinery, construction equipment, and temporary facilities near to the project, the roads completely built and set. However, there’s still opportunity to refine the roads construction in the upper side of the project.

Figure: Satellite image of Longhorn Data Center BTM. Source: Vantor. Imagery © Vantor, 2026.

#### Site Plans

Figure: Site plan of Longhorn Data Center BTM. Source: Plans © Crusoe Energy Systems, LLC, 2025.

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