AI Data Center Boom Could Drive Fuel Cell Market to $30 Billion by 2030

Data center developers are scrambling for reliable power, turning away from congested grids and toward on-site fuel cells. Rystad Energy research and analysis projects a tenfold increase in fuel cell market revenues by 2030, rising from around $2.8 billion in 2025 to roughly $30 billion, as AI computing demand drives unprecedented growth in data center construction. A contracted order book of approximately 9 gigawatts (GW), including framework agreements with Oracle, AEP, Equinix, and Brookfield, points to growing confidence among major operators in fuel cells as a viable long-term power source.

Which technology dominates data center fuel cell applications?

Why are data centers turning to fuel cells?

What supply chain risks threaten fuel cell expansion?

US grid interconnection timelines have tripled since 2015, now stretching to three to six years for large loads. Rystad Energy's research projects 10.4 GW of cumulative fuel cell demand from data centers between 2026 and 2030, with around 40% of projected 2030 US data center capacity modeled as likely to pursue dedicated on-site power generation rather than grid connection. Unlike conventional grid connections or large gas plant

Fuente original: Yahoo Finance (https://finance.yahoo.com/energy/articles/ai-data-center-boom-could-150000082.html)