Nvidia and Schneider Electric Collaborate on 800V Systems for AI Data Centers
By Shantanu Sen Gupta
October 25, 2025
n a significant development for AI infrastructure, Nvidia and Schneider Electric have announced a partnership to create 800V direct current (DC) power systems tailored for AI data centers. This collaboration aims to address the growing energy demands of AI workloads and provide scalable, efficient solutions for next-generation data centers.
embeddedcomputing.com
The Need for 800V DC Power Systems
Traditional 54V DC power distribution systems are reaching their limits as AI workloads become more demanding. To support the increasing power requirements of AI data centers, there’s a shift towards 800V DC systems. These systems offer several advantages:
- Higher Efficiency: 800V DC systems reduce energy losses associated with power conversion, leading to improved overall efficiency.
- Scalability: They support higher power densities, accommodating the needs of large-scale AI workloads.
- Reduced Infrastructure Costs: By minimizing the number of power conversion stages, these systems can lower material and infrastructure costs.
The Nvidia-Schneider Electric Collaboration
Nvidia and Schneider Electric are working together to develop 800V DC power systems that integrate seamlessly with Nvidia’s AI hardware. Key aspects of their collaboration include:
- 800V DC Sidecar Development: Schneider Electric is developing an 800V DC sidecar capable of powering racks up to 1.2 MW, designed to support Nvidia’s next-generation GPUs and accelerated computing infrastructure.
- Modular Power Conversion: The sidecar features modular power conversion shelves, equipped with energy storage for short-term backup and load smoothing.
- Live Swap Capabilities: To enhance safety and reduce maintenance time, the system includes live swap capabilities, allowing components to be replaced without shutting down operations.
- System-Level Approach: Schneider Electric applies a holistic view to power infrastructure, optimizing systems as a whole to achieve predictable performance, simplified maintenance, and higher operational efficiency.
Industry Impact
This partnership is poised to influence the broader AI data center industry by:
- Setting New Standards: Establishing 800V DC systems as a new standard for AI data centers, influencing future infrastructure designs.
- Encouraging Innovation: Promoting further research and development in power systems and cooling technologies to meet the evolving needs of AI workloads.
- Supporting Sustainability: Contributing to energy efficiency and sustainability goals by reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Nvidia and Schneider Electric marks a significant step towards building the infrastructure necessary to support the next generation of AI technologies. By developing advanced 800V DC power systems, they are addressing the challenges of scalability, efficiency, and sustainability in AI data centers.
