Plug Power Tested a Backup Power System With Microsoft. Here's Why the CEO Says That's Not a Real Pivot Yet.

Plug Power (NASDAQ: PLUG) recently tested a backup power system in collaboration with Microsoft. The move comes amid hyperscalers' ever-increasing appetite for energy, and tech giants are exploring every possible avenue -- from gas turbines to hydrogen fuel cells -- to meet their energy needs.

CEO Jose Luis Crespo told investors this venture doesn't signal a fundamental shift in the company's strategy. Instead, Plug Power continues to focus on its core operations while reeling in expenses as it looks to become profitable.

Here's what investors need to know about Plug Power and where things could go from here.

Image source: Plug Power.

Microsoft put Plug Power's hydrogen fuel cells to the test

In July, Plug Power announced it had entered into a technical collaboration with Microsoft to test whether its proton exchange membrane hydrogen fuel cells could be used at scale. The company delivered a 3-megawatt (MW) backup power system prototype capable of generating enough energy to replace a standard diesel generator.

The unit was built and housed in two 40-foot shipping containers. During testing, these fuel cells responded to simulated power grid outages, ramping up in seconds and using hydrogen as fuel, which emits only water vapor and heat.

The move tested Plug's hydrogen fuel cells in a data center environment and comes as the company explores whether its product could relieve grid strain from heavy electrical loads. Beyond testing, the company is working with Stream U.S. Data Centers to explore opportunities to deploy Plug Power's products in the data center industry.

Plug is undergoing a massive transformation and restructuring, and the data center move isn't a real pivot for the company. Its recent transactions are centered on asset monetization rather than on massive capital expenditures to open up new revenue streams. For example, it agreed to sell land and 164 MW of grid interconnection assets to Stream for up to $76.5 million.

Plug's focus remains on becoming profitable

Plug remains committed to Project Quantum Leap, where it will focus on its core businesses and reducing costs as it looks to become profitable for the first time in a quarter century. The company continues to execute on its three lines of business: material handling (through partnerships with retailers Walmart and Amazon); electrolyzers; and hydrogen fuel.

The company aims to achieve profitability across its existing segments; reach positive earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) by the fourth quarter of this year; and be profitable by 2028. For that reason, the company isn't looking to deploy significant capital to pursue another growth avenue. After all, that's what it has done throughout its history, and that's why it has an accumulated deficit of over $8.6 billion.

What investors should watch for

Plug Power's collaboration with Microsoft demonstrated the technical viability of its fuel cells for data centers, but Plug Power's management team remains focused on its core business and achieving profitability before pouring capital into its next venture.

Plug Power has a long history of losing money and has been a painful stock for long-term investors amid massive cash burn and share dilution. While I wouldn't buy the stock on this news, it's worth keeping an eye on it in the coming quarters to see whether management is achieving its stated goals and how it plans to handle data center deals going forward.

Courtney Carlsen has positions in Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Microsoft, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.