Key facts
- Fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction between a fuel and oxygen, avoiding combustion.
- Bloom Energy uses solid-oxide technology ready for 100% pure hydrogen.
- FuelCell Energy uses molten carbonate technology capped at 40% hydrogen blends.
- Linking large electricity loads to the US grid can take three to six years.
- About 40% of projected US data-center capacity in 2030 could pursue dedicated on-site power.
- Oracle intends to procure up to 2.8 gigawatts (GW) of Bloom fuel-cell systems, of which 1.2 GW has been contracted.
Fuel cells are gaining traction among US hyperscalers seeking reliable power for AI data centers due to grid connection delays. Energy research firm Rystad Energy projects investments in fuel cells for data centers to rise to about $30 billion by 2030 from $2.8 billion in 2025. Fuel cells generate electricity through a chemical reaction, avoiding combustion and producing lower local emissions than conventional gas-fired generation. Bloom Energy's CEO KR Sridhar highlighted rapid deployment times, with one project delivered in less than two months. FuelCell Energy's CEO Jason Few noted that 'time to power has really become as important as cost of power,' expecting data centers to comprise 75%-85% of its business within three years.