15.11.2025
International
As the adoption of generative AI continues to drive demand for electricity to power data centers across the United States, ABB has been awarded three orders with VoltaGrid – an advanced microgrid power generation company based in Texas, USA – to deliver critical grid stabilization technology. The project will support reliable and stable electricity for multiple facilities VoltaGrid has under construction in the US for AI infrastructure projects. The orders were booked in the first three quarters of 2025. Financial details were not disclosed.
ABB will supply a package of 27 synchronous condensers with flywheel and prefabricated eHouse units with power control including automation and excitation systems integrated into the synchronous condenser control panels. These units provide high and instantaneous inertia, support short-circuit faults and maintain network voltage by supplying or absorbing reactive power – making them a leading industry solution for enhancing grid stability.
VoltaGrid will supply its proprietary natural gas-fueled power solution, which is designed for rapid deployment and able to meet the specific power demands of hyperscale data centers. The VoltaGrid offering can serve as both a short-term and long-term behind the meter energy solution, supporting data center growth and reliability. Project delivery is scheduled to start in December 2025, with the first units expected to be operational by April 2026.
“ABB’s synchronous condensers are vital for meeting the energy demands of next-generation technologies like AI data centers, thanks to their proven ability to ensure grid stability and enhance the overall resilience of power systems,” said Nathan Ough, CEO of VoltaGrid. “Partnering with ABB allows us to accelerate project execution and meet the growing performance demands of AI operations, delivering more value to our customers.”
Data centers accounted for approximately 1.5 % of the world’s electricity consumption in 2024, with the US responsible for the largest share of this at 45 %. US data center power consumption is expected to account for almost half of the growth in electricity demand between now and 2030 – with the US economy predicted to consume more electricity in 2030 for processing data than for manufacturing all energy-intensive goods combined, including aluminium, steel, cement and chemicals.
With the need for more power, alongside challenges such as grid stability and resilience, ABB supports data centers worldwide with electrification, automation and digitalization products and systems to ensure secure and reliable power, supporting their operational reliability, energy efficiency and cost optimization needs.
“ABB is proud to partner with VoltaGrid and support the evolving energy ecosystem in the US. Across the world, data centers are increasingly critical infrastructure and so maintaining grid stability has shifted from being optional to strategic,” said Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division. “Delivering stable, reliable and efficient power generation is vital to enable data center growth. Our integrated automation, electrification and digitalization solutions play an important role to meet growing demand while maintaining energy security.”
“Synchronous condensers may resemble large motors or generators in design, but their real strength lies in grid support,” said Kristina Carlquist, Head of Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB’s Motion High Power division. “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.”
(Source: ABB Ltd.)
