ABB has achieved a milestone by completing the UK’s inaugural deployment of a turnkey medium-voltage uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system at Ark Data Centres’ Surrey campus. This project, with an installed capacity of 25 MVA, sets a new standard for efficiency and reliability, catering to the high-density computing demands of artificial intelligence (AI).
Ark Data Centres, a leading operator in the UK, is among the first to implement ABB’s unique AI-ready medium voltage power architecture. This system integrates grid connection and UPS, operating entirely at medium voltage to accommodate AI’s substantial power requirements. The initiative is a collaboration between Ark, ABB, and JCA.
The newly deployed system is instrumental in Ark’s planned expansion, including capacity for next-generation GPUs designed for large-scale AI training and inference. With the ability to deliver trillions of computations per second, this infrastructure supports high-throughput digital services across various sectors, such as research, healthcare, finance, media, and entertainment, necessitating robust and efficient electrical systems.
Andy Garvin, Chief Operating Officer at Ark Data Centres, remarked, “AI is accelerating data centre growth and intensifying the pressure to deliver capacity that is efficient, resilient, and sustainable. With ABB, we’ve delivered a first-of-its-kind solution that positions Ark to meet these challenges while supporting the UK’s digital future.”
Stephen Gibbs, UK Distribution Solutions Marketing and Sales Director at ABB Electrification, commented, “We’re helping data centres design from day one for emerging AI workloads. Our medium voltage UPS technology is AI-ready and a critical step in meeting the power demands of future high-density racks. Delivered as a single turnkey solution, we are supporting today’s latest technology — and futureproofing for tomorrow’s megawatt-powered servers.”
ABB’s cutting-edge medium voltage data centre architecture incorporates HiPerGuard, the industry’s first solid-state medium voltage UPS, with its UniGear MV switchgear and Zenon ZEE600 control system into a cohesive, end-to-end system. This comprehensive approach mitigates interface risks and simplifies coordination across design, installation, and commissioning phases.
Steve Hill, Divisional Contracts Director at JCA, stated, “Delivering a project of this scale brings challenges. Having one partner responsible for the switchgear, UPS, and controls reduced complexity and helped keep the programme on track. Working alongside ABB, we were able to coordinate the installation and commissioning effectively, so that Ark could benefit from the new system without delays or risks.”
The system is capable of providing up to 25 MVA of conditioned power, achieving 98% efficiency under heavy load while freeing up valuable floor space for AI computing racks.
By stabilising power at the medium voltage level, the solution minimises the need for frequent generator intervention and reduces energy losses, which translates into less heat and noise. This aligns with Ark’s objectives of operating cleaner, more sustainable facilities and mitigating the environmental impact of high-density digital infrastructure.
