Mainspring Energy Inc., a startup based in Menlo Park, California, has successfully raised $258 million in funding. The company's innovative generators, capable of running on a range of gases, including carbon-free hydrogen, are in high demand due to the increasing power needs of artificial intelligence and data centers. Customers, including NextEra Energy Inc. and data centers, are benefiting from Mainspring's linear generators that produce electricity through a flameless reaction of air and fuel. The technology's flexibility to run on various gaseous fuels like natural gas, ammonia, and biogas is particularly attractive for data centers seeking cost-effective and reliable power solutions. The company's generators are already being deployed to US data center customers, providing competitive or even lower-cost power compared to the grid. The recent funding round, led by General Catalyst, will further support Mainspring's growth, with a focus on expanding its customer base. Notably, the ability to switch from natural gas to cleaner fuels such as hydrogen without hardware changes presents a significant advantage for customers looking to adopt more sustainable energy sources. Despite challenges in convincing new customers to try the technology, Mainspring's potential to transform power generation for data centers is promising.