Every March, CERAWeek brings together energy innovators from around the globe. This year, Innovation Agora provided a platform for in-depth conversations about the future of power: how we generate it, where we get it from, and what impact it leaves behind.
At FuelCell Energy, those are just a few questions that sit at the heart of our work. That’s why our team was proud to join CERAWeek 2025 at Innovation Agora and share how we’re providing the latest advancements in clean power solutions - from next-generation microgrids to high-efficiency hydrogen.
Since the event, we’ve continued to accelerate partnerships, advance pilot programs, and develop our technology. Here’s a look at highlights from Kent McCord’s Innovation Agora session on Low-Carbon Power and Hydrogen Solutions and how they connect to the real-world projects we’re advancing today. Want to skip the read? Watch the full presentation now.
Power Solutions for a Changing Grid
Our Senior Product Manager, Kent McCord, first focused on a growing challenge: grid constraints that delay new projects and drive demand for faster, off-grid solutions.
With a high efficiency and the ability to run off-grid, our carbonate fuel cell platform is designed to meet the demanding requirements of high-uptime applications such as data centers. More than 225 MW have already been deployed across wastewater treatment plants, research universities, and pharmaceutical headquarters. These systems operate with ultra-low emissions and quiet performance, often in areas where permitting and space are challenging.
“We call it a ‘good neighbor’ power generation solution. Very high efficiency, low emissions, low noise—very easy to get air permitting,” - McCord said.
Designed with built-in fuel flexibility, the system can operate on natural gas, renewable biogas, and up to 50% hydrogen blends. It can also be configured for carbon capture, thanks to a concentrated CO₂ exhaust stream. That flexibility matters - especially when considering fuel costs, carbon regulations, and energy resilience.
Off-Grid Fuel Cells for Data Centers
One of the most talked-about announcements since CERAWeek has been our collaboration with Diversified Energy and TESIAC. Together, we’re aiming to produce up to 360 MW of off-grid power for data centers in Virginia, West Virginia, and Kentucky. By using natural gas and captured coal mine methane - fuels sourced directly from Diversified Energy’s Appalachian operations - these projects bring clean, dispatchable power to regions underserved by traditional infrastructure.
“With concerns about grid constraints, people are looking for time-to-power solutions. We feel we have a very reliable, clean, easy-to-deploy solution for these facilities,” - McCord said.
Our fuel cell technology converts methane to hydrogen and then to electricity without combustion, resulting in ultra-low emissions and faster permitting. Waste heat can be repurposed for cooling, improving efficiency, and lowering operating costs. Along with TESIAC’s financing model, these deployments will be designed for speed, scale, and long-term value. This collaboration is creating a new blueprint for what decentralized power can look like.
Advancing Electrolyzer Efficiency Through Partnership
Kent also introduced the audience to our solid oxide electrolyzer technology, which continues to make significant strides. Most recently, our 250 kW pilot system was shipped to Idaho National Laboratory, where it’s being tested for long-duration, high-efficiency hydrogen production.
With electrical efficiency as high as 100% when integrated with heat, our electrolyzer platform is designed for low-cost hydrogen production at scale. Unlike low-temperature systems, it can leverage low-grade steam to reduce electricity demand, unlocking cleaner hydrogen at a lower cost.
“The number one cost of electrolytic hydrogen is electricity. High-temperature electrolysis reduces that cost significantly - other technologies can’t reach our efficiency levels,” - McCord said.
And we’re not stopping there. In Southeast Asia, our partnership with Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE) is already moving forward, with a feasibility study submitted for a 160 MW e-methanol facility using FuelCell Energy’s electrolyzers. Together, we’re building vertically compact systems for offshore and space-constrained sites.
Looking Ahead: Deployment and Collaboration
CERAWeek was an energizing event, but for FuelCell Energy, it’s just one milestone in an ongoing journey. You’ll see us at more events this year as we continue the conversation and the momentum.
Get the full picture - watch the full presentation from CERAWeek where Kent breaks down our platform capabilities, project use cases, and what’s next for fuel cells.