AI & HPC
equipment lifecycles and reduction in unnecessary parts replacements align perfectly with data centres’ increasing focus on both operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Q. AS AI CONTINUES TO INCREASE DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY, HOW IS ABB POSITIONING ITSELF TO SUPPORT CUSTOMERS WITH THIS SURGE, WHILE PRIORITISING SUSTAINABILITY?
» The AI-driven surge in electricity demand is staggering – it’ s expected that by decade’ s end, data centres in the US alone are projected to consume nearly 12 % of the country’ s total electricity, up from just 3.7 % today. I believe this challenge requires a multifaceted approach.
“ The industry needs to fundamentally shift from a replacement mindset to strategic reinvention when addressing older data centres”
STUART THOMPSON, PRESIDENT, ABB ELECTRIFICATION SERVICE
We’ re focusing on modernisation of existing infrastructure through strategic upgrades rather than new builds. I’ ve seen our retrofitting solutions enhance energy capacity by up to 20 % while extending equipment life by decades.
Digitalisation is equally critical as implementing advanced energy management systems can help to optimise operations in real-time to balance both cost and carbon impact. And finally, we’ re helping customers integrate renewable energy through battery storage systems that address intermittency issues.
What I find most valuable is the real synergy between these approaches. For example, digital systems can predict renewable energy production peaks and adjust cooling systems to pre-cool facilities during these periods, reducing load when carbon-intensive power is the primary source. This integration of strategies helps meet surging electricity demands while simultaneously reducing environmental impact.
Q. HOW CAN THE DATA CENTRE INDUSTRY BETTER ADDRESS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF OLDER DATA CENTRES WITHOUT REQUIRING COMPLETE REBUILDS?
» The industry needs to fundamentally shift from a replacement mindset to strategic reinvention when addressing older data centres. Rather than viewing aging facilities as liabilities, we should recognise them as opportunities for innovation and transformation.