Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has introduced innovative solutions to address the energy and environmental challenges posed by the increasing adoption of AI technologies.
During a virtual event, the company announced two key innovations: the GB200 NVL72 reference design and the Galaxy VXL UPS, to support sustainable, AI-ready data centers at scale.
These developments align with Schneider Electric’s mission to decarbonize digital infrastructure and enable the more efficient deployment of high-density AI workloads.
Read also: Schneider Electric shares its views on improving customer satisfaction
Collaboration with NVIDIA on AI-centric data centers
In partnership with NVIDIA, Schneider Electric co-developed the GB200 NVL72 reference design, a liquid-cooled system suitable for high-density AI clusters.
Optimized for NVIDIA’s Blackwell chip, the system is capable of supporting workloads up to 132 kW per rack. The design integrates advanced cooling technologies, including liquid-to-liquid coolant delivery units (CDUs) and direct on-chip cooling, to address thermal management challenges associated with AI workloads.
Thanks to Schneider Electric’s proprietary tools like EcoStruxure IT Design CFD, the design simplifies deployment by offering customizable mechanical and electrical plans.
“Our collaboration with Schneider Electric ensures the infrastructure is ready to power the next wave of AI innovation,” said Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA.
Galaxy VXL UPS: Compact power for AI workloads
Another highlight of the announcement is the Galaxy VXL’s uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Designed to meet the demanding requirements of large-scale AI and power systems, the Galaxy VXL offers a power density of up to 1,042 kW/m², enabling a space saving of 52% compared to averages of the sector.
The modular system can deliver up to 1.25 MW of critical load in a single chassis, and its parallel configuration supports up to 5 MW in a compact 4.8 square meter footprint. These advancements represent a step forward in providing efficient, space-saving solutions for data centers striving to meet the energy demands of AI.
Addressing energy and sustainability in the age of AI
Schneider Electric’s overall strategy for AI-ready data centers is based on three pillars: Energy Strategy Development: The company provides tools for renewable energy sourcing and on-site power generation, integrating solutions such as wind and solar energy. Through its AlphaStruxure branch, Schneider guarantees resilient and sustainable energy systems adapted to individual deployment needs.
Advanced infrastructure solutions: Schneider Electric offers a range of energy-efficient data center components, from networking systems to chips to advanced cooling technologies. Its recent acquisition of a majority stake in Motivair Corporation strengthens its capabilities in liquid cooling for high-density applications.
Sustainability Consulting: Schneider Electric’s consulting services help companies exceed their decarbonization goals with personalized emissions strategies and assessments. The EcoStruxure Resource Advisor platform provides real-time insights for data-driven sustainability decisions, supported by a global team of 2,400 experts.
Addressing AI’s energy footprint
As AI adoption accelerates, its energy requirements increase exponentially. Data centers are expected to account for 2.5% of global electricity consumption by 2027. Schneider Electric highlights the importance of “bending the energy curve” by integrating sustainable practices into AI infrastructure.
This approach includes using AI itself to optimize energy consumption in various sectors, from transportation to manufacturing. “The environmental impact of AI is immense and it is imperative to find innovative ways to decarbonize digital infrastructure,” said Pankaj Sharma, executive vice president of Schneider Electric.
Looking to the Future: A Sustainable AI Ecosystem
Schneider Electric’s initiatives aim to align the rapid growth of AI with global sustainability goals. By collaborating with key players like NVIDIA and investing in energy-efficient technologies, the company is setting a benchmark for responsible management of AI workloads.
Sean Graham, research director at IDC, concluded: “AI holds transformative potential not only in data centers, but across value chains. Collaborative efforts like those between Schneider Electric and NVIDIA are crucial to building a sustainable digital future.
These innovations mark a significant step forward to address the dual challenges of energy efficiency and sustainability in the AI era, strengthening Schneider Electric’s role as a leader in sustainable digital transformation.