Bloom Energy will supply fuel-cell systems, while Hitachi will provide operational technology, system integration and customer support.

 

Tokyo — Hitachi has entered a collaboration with Bloom Energy to supply fuel-cell-based on-site electricity systems to Japanese data centres and industrial customers.

 

Hitachi will oversee planning, system design, development and operational support. Bloom Energy will provide its fuel-cell equipment and related technical assistance. Hitachi will also connect the systems to customers’ existing electrical infrastructure through its operational technology and control platforms.

 

The companies aim to give customers faster access to reliable electricity without waiting for conventional grid expansion. Hitachi said the systems could also help digitise facility operations and improve the management of electricity supply and demand.

 

Bloom Energy Chief Commercial Officer Aman Joshi said Japan needs power systems that can be installed quickly, operate reliably and support growing electricity demand. He said combining Bloom’s fuel-cell technology with Hitachi’s infrastructure and industrial experience could bring lower-carbon power online faster than traditional grid projects.

 

¹ On-site power: Electricity generated close to where it is consumed, including at factories, commercial buildings and industrial facilities. These systems can reduce transmission dependence, lower emissions and provide power during emergencies.

 

Meeting Japan’s Growing Electricity Demand

 

The spread of artificial intelligence is driving new data-centre construction and increasing industrial electricity consumption in Japan. This has increased demand for stable, lower-carbon power that can operate continuously.

 

Hitachi and Bloom Energy are positioning fuel cells as one option because the systems can be deployed relatively quickly and provide electricity around the clock.

 

Demonstration Completed at Omika Works

 

Before announcing the collaboration, Hitachi conducted a demonstration at its Omika Works facility in Ibaraki Prefecture.

 

The demonstration connected Bloom Energy fuel cells with Hitachi control systems. Hitachi reported that the project confirmed the efficiency of the fuel cells and demonstrated that operators could remotely monitor conditions and adjust electricity output through external controls.

 

The system can therefore respond to changing demand and be expanded through the installation of additional fuel-cell units.

 

Omika Works is a central location for the Next-Generation Future City Co-Creation Project, which Hitachi City and Hitachi are carrying out together with Hitachi’s Strategic Social Innovation Business Unit.

 

² Next-Generation Future City Co-Creation Project: A Hitachi City and Hitachi programme using digital technology to address regional challenges. Omika Works serves as the principal hub for its Green Industrial City activities.

 

Benefits for Data Centres

 

Hitachi said fuel cells could help data-centre operators respond to electricity demand created by expanding AI workloads.

 

On-site fuel cells can be installed without depending entirely on new grid connections. The companies say this could allow data centres to secure dependable electricity more quickly while also supporting their decarbonisation plans.

 

Benefits for Industrial Customers

 

The companies are also targeting factories, semiconductor plants and other facilities where power interruptions can cause substantial operational losses.

 

Bloom Energy’s fuel-cell systems contain no mechanical moving parts and operate quietly. They can use natural gas, biogas or hydrogen and may provide longer continuous operation than diesel generators or other combustion-based backup systems when a stable fuel supply is available.

 

Hitachi’s control systems will manage electricity supply and demand across the customer’s facility. During an outage, the system can prioritise power for critical equipment, helping companies maintain production and strengthen business continuity.

 

³ Business continuity planning: Measures intended to limit damage and restore or continue business operations following an emergency.

 

About Hitachi

 

Hitachi combines information technology, operational technology and industrial products through its Social Innovation Business.

 

The company operates across Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility and Connective Industries, alongside its Strategic Social Innovation Business Unit.

 

Hitachi recorded revenue of ¥10,586.7 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. It had 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide.

https://www.hitachi.com

 

Source:FuelCellsWorks