EdgeMode has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an undisclosed developer of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) to provide on-site power for its AI data center portfolio.

Under the terms of the MoU, the companies will collaborate on the deployment of SOFC-anchored microgrid solutions to power EdgeMode’s AI data center developments. According to the partners, they will initially target deployments across EdgeMode’s Spanish pipeline. The MoU also includes provisions to scale capacity beyond initial deployments.

EdgeMode is currently developing an AI data center platform in Spain as part of a joint venture with Blackberry Alternative Investment Fund (BAIF). In December, the company announced that it had secured 1.5GW of firm power for the platform, which is expected to comprise a 120MW data center in Córdoba, Andalusia; 100MW facilities in Vianos and Alcaraz, Albacete; and a 100MW facility in Toledo.

“Securing scalable power solutions is critical to unlocking AI infrastructure deployment. This agreement provides EdgeMode with a clear pathway to deliver large-scale AI data center capacity faster and with greater certainty. Importantly, the framework is designed to scale alongside our multi-gigawatt pipeline as demand continues to accelerate,” said Charlier Faulkner, CEO of EdgeMode.

As part of the deal, the SOFC provider has also committed to supporting project development activities, including site due diligence, system architecture planning, and performance optimization. DCD has reached out to EdgeMode to identify the SOFC developer.

SOFC fuel cells work by converting fuel into electricity via an electrochemical reaction rather than combustion, with proponents claiming the technology delivers much higher efficiency and lower emissions. Despite this, the majority of SOFCs are fueled by natural gas, undermining their green energy credentials.

The most likely candidate is Bloom Energy, the preeminent SOFC developer in the data center space. The company has already signed several supply deals with data center companies, including one with Equinix for deployments across 19 data centers, with a capacity exceeding 100MW. As well as an agreement with US utility American Electric Power for up to 1GW of SOFCs to power AI data centers off-grid. Last July, it inked its first direct supply contract with a hyperscaler, signing a deal with Oracle to deploy fuel cells across “select data centers.”