Petra Power aims to power data centers and defense vehicles with fuel cells

Petra Power, a startup founded in 2017, is developing solid oxide fuel cells designed to provide more efficient and environmentally friendly power for data centers and defense vehicles. According to founder Aaron Goodman, the company's ceramic fuel cells convert fuel like natural gas into electricity without combustion, leading to lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and a smaller physical footprint compared to traditional power generation methods.

Goodman explained that the process of stripping electrons directly from the fuel creates electricity in a single step, minimizing energy loss and maximizing efficiency. This cost-saving aspect makes the technology attractive to potential customers.

Petra Power is targeting two primary customer segments: data centers and the U.S. Defense Department. While hyperscale data center operators are an ideal customer profile, the company is currently working with infrastructure providers, with initial deployments anticipated in 2028 and full-scale production hoped for by 2029. For the defense sector, Petra's fuel cells are in the testing phase to provide auxiliary power for land vehicles, enabling onboard equipment operation when the main engine is off. The company has secured nearly $9 million in contracts from the Defense Department and aims to significantly scale this work. Petra Power is a small company with approximately 15 employees and was selected for the TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200.