Project Jupiter, the massive next-generation AI data center campus under development in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, will be powered by up to 2.45 GW of fuel cell capacity under a revised design from Oracle, BorderPlex Digital Assets, and Bloom Energy.
The companies said the shift consolidates the site into a single, behind-the-meter microgrid, allowing the AI data center campus to operate independently of the local utility grid. The announcement builds on an expanded Oracle–Bloom agreement supporting up to 2.8 GW of fuel cell deployments across U.S. projects.
Oracle said the fuel cell approach reduces emissions and water use while maintaining reliable, on-site power for high-density AI workloads. The company also reiterated that it will bear energy costs for the project, with no impact on local electricity rates.
“Bloom’s fuel cell technology enables us to deliver highly reliable on-site power with a lower environmental footprint,” said Mahesh Thiagarajan, EVP, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
Project Jupiter: Key Facts
| Project Jupiter – AI Data Center Campus Overview | |
| Location | Doña Ana County, New Mexico |
| Estimated Value | ~$165 billion |
| Power Capacity | Up to 2.45 GW |
| Power Architecture | Fuel cell-based microgrid (no grid dependency) |
| Technology | Bloom solid oxide fuel cells |
| Cooling | Closed-loop, non-evaporative liquid cooling |
| Jobs | ~4,000 construction; ~1,500 permanent |
| Community Investment | ~$416.9 million total commitments |
Oracle: Water Use and Resource Commitments
| Oracle Statement on Water Use – Project Jupiter | |
| Cooling Water Source | Non-potable industrial water (not public drinking supply) |
| Cooling Method | Closed-loop system with minimal replenishment |
| Daily Water Use | ~20,000 gallons typical; capped at 60,000 gallons |
| Fuel Cell Water Use | No water required during normal operation |
| Startup Requirement | ~960,000 gallons one-time fill |
| Grid Impact | No impact on local electricity rates (self-powered) |
| Community Investment | $50M for water systems + broader infrastructure funding |
Key Points
- Oracle shifts Project Jupiter to a 2.45 GW fuel cell microgrid architecture
- Part of broader 2.8 GW agreement with Bloom Energy
- Design eliminates gas turbines and diesel backup systems
- Focus on reduced emissions, low water use, and grid independence
- Oracle states project will not impact local power or water resources
Analysis
Project Jupiter reflects a growing trend toward on-site power generation for AI infrastructure, particularly in regions where grid capacity and water availability are constrained.
Fuel cells offer advantages in deployment speed and operational control, but long-term economics and fuel sourcing—especially reliance on natural gas or future hydrogen supply—remain key considerations.