From 328MW to 5GW: Why Has SOFC Suddenly Taken Center Stage as AI Data Centers' Primary Power Source?

Nebius has once again pushed SOFC to the center of AI power investment, raising its contracted power target for end-2026 to 5GW and clearly explaining why it is switching from combustion-based generation to Bloom Energy: beyond faster delivery, low noise, low water usage, and relatively favorable permitting conditions are equally important. As AI data centers simultaneously face constraints on power supply, grid, equipment, time, and permitting approvals, power source selection is shifting from simply comparing levelized cost of electricity to comparing "when operational power can be secured." With Bloom's orders and revenue entering GW-scale delivery, what truly deserves tracking in the next phase?