Data centers across the United States are rapidly expanding, and the surge is straining the nation’s electricity supply. The Electric Power Research Institute projects that by 2030, data centers could consume up to 9 % of annual U.S. electricity generation, a sharp rise from the 4 % share recorded in 2023.
Data centers consume massive power.
New catalyst design could lift fuel‑cell efficiency
A research team led by Gang Wu, professor at Washington University’s McKelvey School of Engineering, reports a method that may improve low‑temperature fuel cells and make them a more viable power source for energy‑intensive facilities. The work, co‑authored by scientists from Brookhaven National Laboratory, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Northeastern University and the University of Pittsburgh, appeared in Nature Nanotechnology on Aug. 6, 2026.
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Fuel cells generate electricity by combining hydrogen with oxygen, producing water and heat as by‑products. Catalysts accelerate this reaction, yet current designs struggle to balance activity with durability. Platinum, the most effective catalyst material, is costly, prompting the team to seek ways to use less of the metal without sacrificing performance.
One approach breaks bulk platinum into nanoparticles, dramatically increasing surface area and allowing the use of less than a quarter of a milligram per square centimeter. However, these tiny particles can dissolve or agglomerate during operation, leading to gradual efficiency loss.
Wu’s group tackled the issue by creating a porous carbon scaffold composed of hollow spheres with radial nanochannels. This structure holds platinum‑cobalt intermetallic nanoparticles in a dense yet uniform arrangement.
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Implications for data‑center power supply
“If a data center is able to supply its electricity itself by using a fuel cell, it would directly convert hydrogen and other fuels into the electricity, reducing the burden on the energy grid,” Wu said. The technology could allow facilities to generate power on‑site, potentially easing the strain on external electricity networks.
While the results are promising, scaling the technology to commercial levels will require addressing manufacturing costs and supply chain logistics for platinum‑cobalt materials. The high‑temperature process, though effective in the lab, may pose challenges for large‑scale production.
Nevertheless, the breakthrough offers a tangible path toward more sustainable power for facilities that consume massive amounts of energy. If the catalyst can be produced economically, fuel cells could become a practical complement to the grid, delivering clean electricity where it’s needed most.
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