How Delaware is Powering the Nation’s AI Revolution

BY TYRONE J. JONES

DELAWARE MAY BE SMALL in size, but the state is now at the forefront of powering one of America’s biggest economic stories: the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

At our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newark, skilled workers are producing hundreds of Bloom Energy’s signature product, one of the Coolest Things Made in Delaware finalists: a solid oxide fuel cell known as the Energy Server®. This essential power source is helping to meet the massive energy demands of the AI industry.

These first-in-class fuel cells serve industrial and technology customers with miniature, modular power plants capable of generating off-grid or grid-parallel clean electricity with zero combustion.

Since Bloom Energy opened the doors to its Newark facility in 2012, our fuel cells have been utilized across a broad spectrum of industries, from heavy materials and oil and gas to transportation and beyond. However, in today’s rapidly evolving economy, our fuel cells are now serving as a critical solution to the burgeoning AI industry’s immense demand for energy.

From data centers responsible for AI computations to the manufacturing processes that produce semiconductor computer chips required for these computations, every aspect of AI demands substantial amounts of electricity. Our fuel cells offer a safe way for these businesses to generate abundant power directly on-site.

By circumventing costly and lengthy interconnection delays often associated with local electric infrastructure and utilities that are increasingly prone to weather-related service disruptions, our fuel cells ensure fast-paced businesses can power operations rapidly and reliably.

For the AI industry’s enormous and immediate need for electricity, this is a game-changing solution.

The significance of Delaware’s role in delivering energy solutions for the AI industry is underscored by the sector’s impact on the global economy.

According to PwC’s “Global Artificial Intelligence Study: Exploiting the AI Revolution,” the industry could contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Put simply, the outsized impact of AI on the global economic outlook cannot be overstated.

As demand for AI’s energy solutions increases, so does Bloom Energy’s ability to support Delaware’s growth.

Since 2012, our Newark facility has expanded from one employee to nearly 800, with almost 80% of the workforce coming from Delaware. Partnerships with local institutions, community organizations, and manufacturers help us maintain a strong talent pipeline of well-paying, stable jobs for Delaware residents. Investments in our workforce through career development opportunities and positive work environments ensure we simultaneously support business growth and contribute to the local economy. Our annual economic impact exceeds $300 million, providing significant benefits to the region.

As key players in the AI economy such as CoreWeave, Intel Corporation, Quanta Computer, and C3.ai increasingly turn to Bloom Energy’s fuel cells to address their energy challenges, our mutually beneficial relationship with Delaware will continue to expand. Bloom Energy is proud to be at the forefront of the AI revolution, powered by our dedicated workforce in Delaware. Together, we are driving innovation and economic growth, positioning Delaware as a leader in the global AI industry.

Tyrone J. Jones is director of policy and external affairs at Bloom Energy.