ABB has secured a significant partnership with VoltaGrid, an advanced microgrid power generation company, by agreeing to supply 27 synchronous condensers along with prefabricated eHouse units in the United States. This initiative is aimed at bolstering grid stability and meeting the burgeoning energy demands prompted by the rise of artificial intelligence.
As the world stands on the cusp of a digital revolution, the electricity consumption of data centers is forecasted to more than double by 2030. To cater to this surge, ABB is committed to providing data center operators with cutting-edge, energy-efficient technologies that ensure long-term operational reliability. VoltaGrid's forthcoming facilities, dedicated to AI infrastructure, will particularly benefit from this collaboration.
The technology package provided by ABB includes synchronous condensers with flywheel and state-of-the-art automation systems. Designed for rapid deployment, these units deliver critical inertia and reactive power stability needed for seamless electricity generation, enhancing overall grid stability across VoltaGrid's projects.
Scheduled for delivery starting December 2025, the first operational units are anticipated by April 2026, marking a pivotal advancement in reinforcing U.S. data center infrastructures against increasing energy demands.
Data centers are fast becoming pivotal components of the global economy, consuming vast amounts of power, especially in the U.S. With projections showing that by 2030, U.S. data centers could consume more electricity for data processing than manufacturing combined for energy-intensive goods, the need for fortified and reliable power systems cannot be overstated.
This strategic collaboration between ABB and VoltaGrid comes at a critical time, ensuring that data centers are well-prepared to handle the evolving energy demands driven by generative AI advancements. By utilising ABB's integrated solutions, data centers can achieve enhanced energy economies and operational efficiency while safeguarding against potential grid challenges.
Kristina Carlquist, Head of Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB’s Motion High Power division, remarked on the renewed importance of synchronous condensers: "As data centers expand, these machines are seeing renewed importance for their ability to provide inertia and short-circuit strength. For VoltaGrid, they will help ensure reliable, resilient microgrid performance." ABB is dedicated to supporting the global energy ecosystem through innovative solutions for today's intricate power demands.
