ABB is introducing HiPerGuard 34.5kV, a new version of its breakthrough medium voltage UPS, enabling AI data centres to connect directly to the grid without voltage conversion, improving efficiency and simplifying infrastructure. With this latest innovation, HiPerGuard’s microgrid-ready architecture enables flexible integration of battery storage, gas, and renewables with grid support and peak shaving capabilities. 

Global data centre demand is forecast to rise from 80 GW in 2024 to reach around 220GW by 2030. Workloads are expected to account for around 70 percent of this growth. ABB is working with AI leaders and data centre operators to engineer a new class of data centre power infrastructure through integrated, end‑to‑end power systems designed for flexibility, reliability, efficiency, and scalable performance at AI scale. 

“For the first time, with ABB technology, AI data centres can connect directly to the grid at 34.5kV, cutting conversion energy losses and reducing infrastructure complexity,” said Sebastien Surply, Critical Power Leader for ABB’s Smart Power Division. “Our collaborations with the innovators driving AI infrastructure revealed a fundamental need for greater flexibility without complexity. HiPerGuard’s latest iteration delivers both, enabling facilities to scale with the power efficiency and flexibility that drives AI compute forward.” 

Data centres will leverage the HiPerGuard 34.5kV’s microgrid-ready architecture to combine distributed power generation with battery energy storage. The system accommodates diverse energy sources – gas turbines, renewable generation, and grid connection – providing operators with flexibility to optimise resilience and efficiency. Integration with ABB’s Power Exchanger technology enables battery management and grid support functions, allowing data centre operators to perform peak shaving and frequency regulation services. 

Operating at 98 percent efficiency, HiPerGuard’s direct 34.5kV connection reduces voltage conversion losses, valued at approximately $880,000 per year for every one percent efficiency gain in a 100 MW AI data centre. The simplified architecture also reduces copper cabling requirements substantially. And, with 20-25 percent less footprint and fewer devices and cabling runs, operators gain both space and significant infrastructure cost savings.

The system’s repeatable and flexible architecture supports incremental capacity expansion through parallel configurations up to 25MW, enabling operators to grow without complete infrastructure overhauls. As AI workloads intensify and power requirements shift, the system’s plug-and-play converter design allows rapid adaptation and integration of emerging technologies.  

ABB announced the introduction of HiPerGuard 34.5kV at Data Centre World Washington 2026, where HiPerGuard was also recognised by UL Solutions as the first product of its kind to achieve UL 9540, the industry’s highest energy storage standard. The HiPerGuard portfolio is both IEC and UL Certified, UL 1741 and UL 9540, and supports voltage levels from 4.16 kV to 34.5 kV. The HiPerGuard 34.5kV will be available for order in summer 2026. More information is available at:  www.abb.com/hiperguard.  

ABB’s HiPerGuard installed base is growing strongly across North America, Europe,  and Asia-Pacific, including major deployments at Applied Digital’s 400 MW and 300 MW AI data centre campuses in North Dakota.

 

ABOUT ABB

As AI reshapes our digital world, ABB helps data centres outrun

ABB technology powers one in four data centres globally. From cloud environments to gigawatt-scale AI facilities, we collaborate with customers and partners to deliver the world’s most advanced data centres. Our comprehensive portfolio spans from source to rack, ensuring next-generation data centres have the expertise and technology they need.

For further information visit https://new.abb.com/data-centers  or email LV.Enquiries@gb.abb.com or tel #: 4403339999900

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