ABB has accelerated further its development of gigawatt scale next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) data centers as it sealed a partnership with NVIDIA.

Specifically, the innovation aims to deploy cutting-edge power solutions needed to create high-efficiency, scalable power delivery for future AI workloads. The research and development projects will support NVIDIA’s planned introduction of 800 VDC power architecture for 1 megawatt server racks.

Requires Highly Advanced Technologies, Architecture

To deliver this level of power efficiently, highly advanced power distribution technologies and architecture are imperative. Future data center power architectures will combine a medium voltage (MV) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with direct current (DC) power distribution to the server room using solid-state power electronics devices.

“ABB is leading the development of the key new power distribution technologies that will create the next generation of data centers. We have been an early investor in the cutting-edge UPS, DC and solid-state electronics that will enable data centers to stay ahead of AI’s growing power demands,” said Giampiero Frisio, President, ABB Electrification.

“This collaboration supporting the development of 800 VDC architectures for future data centers is one of the many ways we are engaging with the data center community to serve the needs of this dynamic market.”

Innovative Solutions

Citing report from Dell ‘Oro Group, ABB said global data center demand is forecast to rise from 80GW in 2024 to reach around 220GW by 2030. Moreover, capital expenditure is also likely to exceed US$1 trillion. AI workloads are expected to account for around 70 percent of this growth.

Dion Harris, senior director, HPC, Cloud and AI Infrastructure, NVIDIA, said as AI demands continue to grow, data centers require new approaches to power distribution that improve efficiency and simplify design.

“This collaboration supporting the development of 800 VDC architectures for future data centers is one of the many ways we are engaging with the data center community to serve the needs of this dynamic market,” said Harris.

ABB’s portfolio for data centers encompasses intelligent power distribution systems, backup power solutions, digital monitoring, and other essential technologies. Particularly, these solutions ensure continuous operations and optimize energy use for AI servers. Approximately 40% of ABB’s scientific research in electrification is in areas critical to next gen data centers such as electrical architectures, protection devices, DC distribution and cooling.

Recent ABB innovations that support the data center industry include ABB’s HiPerGuard, the world’s first solid-state MV UPS. ABB’s SACE Infinitus is the world’s first IEC-certified solid-state circuit breaker and is designed to provide the speed and controllability needed to make direct current distribution viable.

14 October 2025