Oracle updates New Mexico data center plan with fuel cell technology

Oracle Corp. (ORCL) announced it will power its Project Jupiter data center campus in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, with up to 2.45 gigawatts of Bloom Energy fuel cells, replacing previously planned gas turbines and diesel generators.

The change consolidates the artificial intelligence data center into a single microgrid campus. Oracle said the fuel cell technology will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by approximately 92% compared to the original gas turbine design and will use minimal water.

The project represents part of an expanded partnership between Oracle and Bloom Energy to deploy fuel cell capacity for AI infrastructure. Fuel cells generate electricity without combustion, resulting in lower emissions and water usage than traditional power generation methods.

"Bloom’s fuel cell technology enables us to deliver highly reliable on-site power with a lower environmental footprint," said Mahesh Thiagarajan, executive vice president of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

Oracle will bear all energy costs for Project Jupiter to ensure no impact on local electricity rates. The data center will use closed-loop, non-evaporative cooling systems designed to minimize water consumption.

The company committed $50 million for local water system improvements, $360 million for schools and infrastructure, and $6.9 million for workforce development and community programs. Oracle expects the project to create 4,000 construction jobs and support 1,500 ongoing positions.

BorderPlex Digital Assets is developing the campus in partnership with Oracle. The facility is expected to become one of the largest data center microgrids in the United States upon completion, according to Bloom Energy.

Construction continues on schedule, with Oracle prioritizing local hiring and partnerships with New Mexico’s skilled trades and union workforce.