CT makes fuel cells that power data centers. Here’s what to know
Connecticut is home to Fuel Cell Energy and HyAxiom, two fuel-cell manufacturers benefiting from rising demand for reliable, on-site power at data centers. Fuel Cell Energy is expanding production in Torrington, while HyAxiom plans to expand its South Windsor facility; proposed data centers in several Connecticut communities have also considered fuel cells instead of grid power.
Connecticut has not yet seen widespread hyperscale data center construction, but manufacturers in the state are supplying fuel-cell systems that can provide continuous, on-site electricity. Fuel Cell Energy operates in Danbury and Torrington, while HyAxiom, a Doosan Group division, is based in South Windsor. Fuel cells can reduce some emissions and operate more quietly than conventional generators, although critics note that natural-gas systems still depend on fossil fuels and pipeline infrastructure.
Fuel cells have been proposed as power sources for data center projects in Beacon Falls, Colchester and Cromwell, none of which had received state or local approval at the time of publication. Fuel Cell Energy is hiring about 100 workers and investing more than $200 million to expand its Torrington manufacturing facility, while South Windsor Town Manager Michael Maniscalco said HyAxiom was considering doubling the size of its facility and adding roughly 200 jobs.