Petra Power modernizes energy for data centers and defense
Founded in 2017, Petra Power develops solid oxide fuel cells for data centers and the US Department of Defense, targeting a 2028 deployment.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Petra Power develops solid oxide fuel cells to convert fuel into electricity without combustion.
- The company targets data centers and the US Department of Defense, aiming for 2028 deployment.
- Petra has a 15-person team and secured nearly $9 million in defense contracts.
As artificial intelligence consumes unprecedented amounts of energy, the search is on for efficient and cost-effective power sources. Among the companies leading this charge is Petra Power, which aims to modernize energy systems for large-scale infrastructure.
Founded in 2017, Petra sells solid oxide fuel cells—ceramic devices that convert fuel like natural gas into electrical power without burning it. According to company representative Goodman, this technology offers a more efficient and environmentally friendly way to operate data centers and large vehicles, helping operators significantly cut fuel expenses.
"Petra is currently working with neoclouds and other infrastructure providers that were a few steps down from the hyperscaler crowd."
Goodman
The company is currently focusing on two primary customer segments: data centers and the Department of Defense. While Goodman did not disclose specific agreements, he noted that Petra is working with neoclouds and infrastructure providers just below the hyperscaler tier, targeting an initial deployment by 2028 and full-scale production by 2029.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The government sector is also developing, with plans to utilize Petra's fuel cells as auxiliary power units for land vehicles to supply electricity to onboard equipment when the main engine is turned off. Goodman clarified that the fuel cells are currently in the testing phase as the government evaluates whether to proceed with live deployment.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) represent a high-efficiency energy conversion technology that bypasses traditional combustion, significantly reducing emissions. Petra Power's focus on data centers and military applications addresses the critical challenge of surging energy demands driven by modern AI infrastructure workloads.
Petra operates with a small team of about 15 people but continues to grow. The startup has received nearly $9 million in contracts from the Department of Defense and was selected for this year's TechCrunch Startup Battlefield 200 program at Moscone West in downtown San Francisco.
Source: TechCrunch
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