In context
In mid-2025, the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities was driving unprecedented demand for data center capacity, with power density and energy efficiency becoming critical bottlenecks. Traditional low voltage power architectures were struggling to scale efficiently, prompting the industry to explore new electrical infrastructure designs.
What was reported
Applied Digital, a builder and operator of next-generation data centers, announced a long-term infrastructure partnership with ABB at its greenfield 400 MW campus in North Dakota, USA. The first orders were booked in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, though financial details were not disclosed.
Central to the collaboration is a new medium voltage power architecture using ABB's HiPerGuard Medium Voltage Static Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), described as an industry first. This technology aims to increase power density, compress electrical plant footprints, and improve energy efficiency.
The partnership covers the complete design and development of the site's electrical infrastructure. By switching from conventional low voltage distribution and UPS systems to medium voltage, data centers can scale more efficiently, expanding in 25 MW blocks. This approach reduces parts and cabling, simplifies installation, and enhances reliability. Higher operating voltages also lower conversion losses and heat generation, supporting greater energy efficiency.
"What we are building with ABB is going to completely change the way our industry designs large-scale data centers."
Why it mattered
This partnership highlighted a significant shift in data center electrical design, driven by AI's power density demands. The adoption of medium voltage UPS technology could set a new standard for scalable, energy-efficient power infrastructure, enabling faster deployment of AI-ready facilities and influencing how future data centers are engineered globally.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2025-06-30 · “ABB and Applied Digital accelerate construction of AI data centers”