Bloom Energy Corporation is targeting the AI data center power boom with its 800V DC fuel cell systems, driving investor interest in distributed generation solutions.

Bloom Energy Corporation (BE) shares rose 3.77% to $269.13 after the company detailed new economics for powering large-scale AI data centers. Bloom highlighted that its 800V DC fuel cell technology could significantly reduce infrastructure spending as demand for high-density computing reshapes industry power requirements.

In a recent report, Bloom Energy examined how direct-current (DC) power distribution can lower infrastructure demands for large computing facilities. The company estimates that a 1-gigawatt (GW) AI data center could reduce non-compute capital expenditures by $3.6 billion, representing a 27% decrease under its economic model. Over a five-year period, Bloom projects the approach could lower total ownership costs by approximately $5.5 billion, or roughly 9%. These figures, however, remain contingent on facility design, equipment pricing, energy rates, and site-specific conditions. By generating DC electricity onsite via solid oxide fuel cells and routing it directly to computing equipment, Bloom’s system eliminates multiple AC-to-DC conversion stages typical of conventional grids. This streamlined architecture reduces the need for auxiliary electrical hardware while minimizing energy losses across the distribution network.

Modern data centers traditionally receive alternating current (AC) from utility grids, turbines, or backup engines before converting it to DC for server racks. As computing density increases, newer hardware requires higher power loads within constrained physical footprints, pushing operators toward 800V DC inputs. Lower-voltage systems struggle to meet these heavier demands efficiently. Aligning with this shift, NVIDIA plans to integrate 800V DC architecture into its upcoming Rubin Ultra and Kyber rack systems starting in 2027. Bloom’s fuel cells generate continuous DC power natively, bypassing the initial AC-to-DC conversion step. This design also decreases reliance on transformers, switchgear, and other components often subject to extended supply chain delays. The market’s growing interest in addressing high-density power challenges has directly supported Bloom’s positioning.

Data center developers are actively seeking additional power capacity as AI workloads drive up electricity consumption across key markets. Prolonged grid interconnection timelines and equipment shortages have further accelerated interest in onsite generation solutions. Bloom previously noted that industry participants project DC-based architectures will account for 58% of new data center deployments by 2030. Onsite DC generation aligns with this trajectory by simplifying electrical infrastructure and reducing copper dependency, as direct-current systems eliminate several traditional power-distribution components. While actual project savings will vary based on construction, equipment, and energy costs, Bloom continues to position its fuel-cell technology alongside evolving data center electrical standards. The company’s presentation of 800V DC generation as a scalable solution for the expanding AI power market contributed to the positive market response.