Why Oracle & BorderPlex Chose Bloom to Power Project Jupiter

Oracle is reshaping the energy architecture of one of its largest planned AI data centre developments, in Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

It is turning to fuel cell technology by Bloom Energy to meet the growing demands of high-performance computing while addressing environmental and infrastructure constraints.

The move was confirmed by Oracle alongside its partner, BorderPlex Digital Assets. The fuel cells are a lower-emission alternative to the companies' earlier plans to use gas turbines and diesel generators.

Their decision consolidates the site into a single, large-scale microgrid designed to support AI-driven workloads.

With up to 2.45GW of installed capacity, the facility is positioned as one of the largest data centre microgrid deployments in the US.

The updated power design reflects a broader shift towards decentralised, on-site power generation as operators seek to secure reliable energy for intensive compute environments.

A power model built for AI demand

The choice of fuel cells reflects a growing challenge across the data centre sector: how to secure consistent, high-density power without placing additional strain on already stretched grids.

Unlike conventional combustion-based systems, fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process, significantly reducing emissions and water consumption.

For Project Jupiter, this translates into an estimated 92% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions compared with the original turbine-based design, alongside negligible water use.

“We are excited to move forward with this updated energy solution, which reflects our commitment to both the latest innovation and community priorities as we advance the next generation of AI infrastructure,” said Mahesh Thiagarajan, Executive Vice President of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.

“Bloom's fuel cell technology enables us to deliver highly reliable on-site power with a lower environmental footprint – supporting the project's performance needs while contributing to stronger environmental outcomes.”

The shift from grid dependency to microgrid control

The adoption of a single-site microgrid reflects a growing trend among hyperscale operators to reduce dependence on external grids, as AI workloads place unprecedented strain on existing infrastructure.

By generating power on-site, Project Jupiter is designed to maintain greater control over energy supply, mitigating risks associated with grid congestion and volatility.

Oracle will also bear all energy costs, ensuring no impact on local electricity pricing or grid stability.

“Bloom has rapidly become the platform of choice for powering AI data centers responsibly,” said Aman Joshi, Chief Commercial Officer at Bloom Energy.

“Bloom's fuel cell technology will power what is expected to be one of the largest data center microgrids operating in the United States at the time of completion.

“Our energy solution not only dramatically reduces water use, it is also cleaner, quieter and helps protect electricity rates for local residents.

“This is a model that can be replicated across America – it is digital power for the digital age.”

Regional strategy meets infrastructure scale

For BorderPlex Digital Assets, the project forms part of a wider strategy to position southern New Mexico as a hub for advanced computing and clean energy infrastructure.

“Project Jupiter started with a belief that Doña Ana County could become a Tier 1 industrial engine for New Mexico,” said Lanham Napier, the Chairman of BorderPlex Digital Assets.

“We said we could help bring cleaner energy, stronger infrastructure, more jobs and new investment to southern New Mexico, and that vision is becoming reality.

“With this announcement, Project Jupiter is becoming a platform for better jobs, stronger infrastructure and generational opportunity in a region with the talent, work ethic and ambition to help lead New Mexico's next chapter of growth.”

Aligning sustainability with scale

Beyond power generation, the data centre is being designed with closed-loop, non-evaporative cooling systems to reduce day-to-day water consumption, aligning with the fuel cell strategy to minimise environmental impact.

The project also includes significant local investment commitments, with funding allocated to water system upgrades, schools, infrastructure and workforce development programmes.

Construction is progressing on schedule, with Oracle expecting the development to create 4,000 construction jobs and support 1,500 ongoing roles.