Schneider Electric reveals urgent solutions for energy crisis amid AI surge

In Rueil-Malmaison, France, on December 4, 2024, Schneider Electric announced new initiatives aimed at addressing energy and sustainability challenges intensified by the rising demand for artificial intelligence systems. The company unveiled a co-developed data center reference design with NVIDIA, which is engineered to support high-density, liquid-cooled AI clusters capable of up to 132 kW per rack. Another highlight of the announcement was the introduction of the Galaxy VXL uninterruptible power supply (UPS), noted for its compact size and high power density, achieving up to 52% space savings compared to industry norms. Schneider Electric's commitment to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility is reflected in its holistic approach which focuses on three core domains: formulating an energy strategy tailored for the AI era, enhancing infrastructure deployment, and offering sustainability consulting. The latest innovations are part of a larger vision to help data center operators deliver high-density infrastructure while ensuring reduced energy consumption and environmental impact. During the event, Pankaj Sharma, Executive Vice President of Data Centers & Networks at Schneider Electric, emphasized the importance of addressing AI's growing energy footprint. He articulated the urgency for innovative methods to reduce energy consumption across data centers. Collaborating with NVIDIA is vital to this mission, allowing for the design of customized solutions that meet the unique requirements presented by AI workloads, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. Further reinforcing its strategy, Schneider Electric has also signed an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Motivair Corporation, which specializes in direct-to-chip liquid cooling solutions. This acquisition is expected to bolster Schneider's portfolio while helping to manage the heat generated by high-density workloads that characterize contemporary AI applications. The company's initiatives aim to not only enhance power reliability but also present sustainable solutions for scalable electrical workloads.