California Today

Bloom Energy Fuel Cells Gain Favor Amid Data Center Backlash

02 June 2026 09:40

Bloom Energy Corp. is capitalizing on local opposition to data center construction by promoting its fuel cells as a cleaner, quieter alternative to traditional gas turbines.

CEO KR Sridhar highlighted the company's technology advantages in an interview, noting recent deals with Oracle and Nebius. - Bloom's fuel cells use natural gas via chemical reaction, not combustion, reducing pollution and noise.

- Oracle switched from Siemens gas turbines to Bloom for its New Mexico campus after local protests. - Nebius chose Bloom for fast delivery and clean technology.

- Sridhar acknowledged that not all community opposition can be overcome, calling NIMBY-ism "not rational."

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