AI's power hunger sparks search for alternatives

As artificial intelligence consumes more energy, companies are hunting for efficient and cost-effective power sources to meet growing demand.

Petra Power converts fuel without burning it

Petra Power, founded in twenty seventeen, sells solid oxide fuel cells. These ceramic devices convert fuel like natural gas into electric power without burning it.

Fuel cells skip steps traditional power needs

Founder Aaron Goodman explained that combustion creates explosions, heat, motion, then electricity through many inefficient steps. Fuel cells strip electrons directly from fuel in one step.

“Combustion takes fuel and creates explosions. Those explosions create heat. That heat creates motion. The motion powers an electromotive force, which eventually creates electricity.”

Petra targets data centers and military vehicles

Petra is working with neoclouds and infrastructure providers below the hyperscaler level. The company also aims to provide auxiliary power for Defense Department land vehicles.

First deployment targeted for twenty twenty-eight

Goodman said Petra aims for first deployment with current customers in twenty twenty-eight, with full-scale production hoped for twenty twenty-nine.

Defense contracts worth nearly nine million dollars

Petra is a fifteen-person team that has received nearly nine million dollars in contracts from the Defense Department. The fuel cells are currently in testing phase with government.

Hyperscalers remain the long-term target

Goodman said Petra talks to hyperscalers but has no firm agreements yet. As the largest power consumers, they represent where Petra could make the biggest impact.

“Hyperscalers are an ICP for us, and we talk a lot to them, but we don't have anything firm with them yet.”