Petra Power Secured Defense Department Contracts
The San Francisco-based firm is developing solid oxide fuel cells for data centers and defense vehicles.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Founded in 2017, Petra Power has received nearly $9 million in contracts from the Defense Department. The company is currently testing its solid oxide fuel cell technology for use in government land vehicles.
Why it matters
These fuel cells provide a smaller physical footprint than traditional power equipment while offering lower fuel costs and emissions. By stripping electrons directly from fuel to generate electricity, the technology bypasses the combustion and motion steps used in traditional generation.
Petra Power currently employs approximately 15 people and is working on technology featured among 200 startups at the Startup Battlefield event. The firm plans to reach full-scale production by 2029.
The players
Petra Power
A San Francisco-based company founded in 2017 that develops solid oxide fuel cells for data centers and military vehicles.
Defense Department
The federal executive department responsible for providing the military forces needed to deter war and protect the security of the United States.
The details
The company develops fuel cells that convert energy without combustion, a process designed for data center and military applications. The product is currently in the testing phase for government land vehicle use.
Timeline
Petra Power was founded in 2017.
The Startup Battlefield 200 event takes place in October 2026.
The company targets its first customer deployment for 2028.
Full-scale production is planned for 2029.
Roadmap
The development of solid oxide fuel cells represents a significant departure from traditional combustion-based power generation systems used in transport and infrastructure. This approach positions the company within a growing field of energy startups aiming to modernize military and data center logistics.
For San Francisco residents and the broader industry, the ongoing testing of this technology signals potential shifts in industrial energy procurement. The transition toward non-combustion power could eventually lower operational costs for data-intensive infrastructure and government-contracted logistics.
The takeaway
Advancements in fuel cell technology could significantly reduce emissions and physical equipment sizes for specialized sectors. Organizations looking to integrate these systems should monitor the 2028 deployment targets to gauge the commercial viability of combustion-free power.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Electric Vehicles.
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