Oracle Adoption of Bloom Fuel Cells to Reshape Data Centre

Oracle is reconfiguring the energy infrastructure for one of its most significant planned AI data centre projects in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

The company is deploying fuel cell technology from Bloom Energy to support the intensive demands of high-performance computing whilst navigating environmental and infrastructure challenges.

The decision marks a departure from earlier plans that relied on gas turbines and diesel generators, offering a lower-emission alternative that consolidates the site into a single, large-scale microgrid capable of supporting AI-driven workloads.

The announcement was made jointly by Oracle and its partner, BorderPlex Digital Assets.

With up to 2.45 GW of installed capacity, the facility could become one of the largest data centre microgrid deployments in the US.

The updated power design reflects a wider movement towards decentralised, on-site power generation as operators attempt to secure reliable energy for intensive compute environments.

Addressing AI's power demands

The selection of fuel cells responds to a pressing challenge facing the data centre sector: securing consistent, high-density power without adding further pressure to already strained electrical grids.

Fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process rather than conventional combustion, which could significantly reduce emissions and water consumption.

For Project Jupiter, this approach is expected to deliver an estimated 92% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared with the original turbine-based design, alongside negligible water usage.

"We are excited to move forward with this updated energy solution, which reflects our commitment to both the latest innovation and community priorities as we advance the next generation of AI infrastructure," says Mahesh Thiagarajan, Executive Vice President of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

"Bloom's fuel cell technology enables us to deliver highly reliable on-site power with a lower environmental footprint – supporting the project's performance needs while contributing to stronger environmental outcomes."

Microgrid strategy reduces grid reliance

The implementation of a single-site microgrid reflects a growing trend amongst hyperscale operators to reduce reliance on external grids, as AI workloads place unprecedented demands on existing infrastructure.

By generating power on-site, Project Jupiter is designed to maintain greater control over energy supply, potentially mitigating risks associated with grid congestion and volatility.

Oracle will bear all energy costs, ensuring no impact on local electricity pricing or grid stability.

"Bloom has rapidly become the platform of choice for powering AI data centres responsibly," says Aman Joshi, Chief Commercial Officer at Bloom Energy.

"Bloom's fuel cell technology will power what is expected to be one of the largest data centre microgrids operating in the US at the time of completion. Our energy solution not only dramatically reduces water use, it is also cleaner, quieter and helps protect electricity rates for local residents. This is a model that can be replicated across America – it is digital power for the digital age."

Regional development and construction progress

For BorderPlex Digital Assets, the project forms part of a broader strategy to position southern New Mexico as a centre for advanced computing and clean energy infrastructure.

"Project Jupiter started with a belief that Doña Ana County could become a Tier 1 industrial engine for New Mexico," says Lanham Napier, the Chairman of BorderPlex Digital Assets.

"We said we could help bring cleaner energy, stronger infrastructure, more jobs and new investment to southern New Mexico, and that vision is becoming reality. With this announcement, Project Jupiter is becoming a platform for better jobs, stronger infrastructure and generational opportunity in a region with the talent, work ethic and ambition to help lead New Mexico's next chapter of growth."

Beyond power generation, the data centre is being designed with closed-loop, non-evaporative cooling systems to reduce day-to-day water consumption, aligning with the fuel cell strategy to minimise environmental impact.

The project also includes significant local investment commitments, with funding allocated to water system upgrades, schools, infrastructure and workforce development programmes.

Construction is progressing on schedule, with Oracle expecting the development to create 4,000 construction jobs and support 1,500 ongoing roles.