Fuelcell Energy and Fit Energy Plan Up to 380 MW Fuel Cell Capacity for AI Data Centres

Danbury/Boca Raton – Rising electricity demand from AI data centres is reshaping the energy supply landscape for digital infrastructure. Operators are increasingly turning to on-site power generation to avoid grid constraints and ensure reliable electricity supply. Against this backdrop, Fuelcell Energy and Fit Energy USA have signed a strategic agreement for up to 380 MW of fuel cell capacity for data centres.

The power supply will be provided via fuel cell systems located directly at the point of consumption, enabling a decentralised energy concept for large electricity users. The first 30 MW are expected to be delivered this year. The development reflects a broader trend in the data centre market, where companies are increasingly building their own energy infrastructure, combining generation, storage and microgrids.

Fuel cells for behind-the-meter data centre power supply

The agreement covers the deployment of Fuelcell Energy’s fuel cell systems for so-called behind-the-meter applications, where electricity is generated directly on the customer side rather than being supplied exclusively through the public grid.

For data centres, whose electricity demand is rising sharply due to the expansion of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, such solutions can provide an alternative to constrained grid capacity. The systems are designed to deliver continuous baseload power and to operate directly at customer sites.

Fuelcell Energy develops and manufactures scalable fuel cell systems for critical applications, including data centres, industrial facilities and utilities. According to the company, the technology generates electricity electrochemically and enables reliable power supply with low emissions.

Fit Energy focuses on energy-as-a-service model

Fit Energy develops energy infrastructure solutions for the digital economy and focuses on long-term supply concepts for large electricity consumers. The company pursues an “energy-as-a-service” model in which generation assets are developed and operated for customers.

The partnership combines Fuelcell Energy’s fuel cell technology with Fit Energy’s project development and infrastructure capabilities. Together, the companies aim to provide power supply solutions for the growing requirements of data centres and AI applications.

“We are pleased about the partnership with Fit Energy and their development plans. We have worked with a variety of potential customers in the digital infrastructure sector, and Fit Energy has distinguished itself through its commitment to energy-as-a-service solutions that support both communities and the environment,” said Jason Few, president and CEO of Fuelcell Energy. He added: “This agreement confirms our decision to scale our activities to 500 MW, enabling us to serve a broad and growing pipeline of customers.”

AI data centres drive demand for local energy solutions

The expansion of AI applications is driving a global increase in electricity demand from new data centres. Alongside sufficient generation capacity, supply security, short deployment times and independence from limited grid capacity are becoming increasingly important.

While conventional large-scale power plants such as gas-fired power plants or planned small modular reactors (SMRs) typically rely on grid connection, decentralised supply concepts focus directly on the point of consumption. On-site generation assets, battery storage systems or microgrids can help bypass grid bottlenecks and accelerate the energy supply for new digital infrastructure.

Fuelcell Energy’s fuel cell systems are designed for such local power generation applications. They generate electricity directly at the customer site and can support continuous power supply for large electricity consumers such as data centres.

Source: IWR Online, 26 Jun 2026