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Global technology leader in electrification and automation ABB has completed the UK’s first deployment of a turnkey medium-voltage (MV) uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system at Ark Data Centres’ Surrey campus, showcasing its capability as a full-system solution provider for mission-critical infrastructure. With an installed capacity of 25MVA, the project sets a new benchmark for efficiency, reliability and readiness for high-density AI computing.
Ark Data Centres, one of the UK’s leading data centre operators, has been among the first to adopt ABB’s unique, new AI-ready medium voltage power architecture, which integrates the grid connection and UPS, running them all at medium voltage to meet AI’s power demands. Ark partnered with ABB and JCA on the project.
The deployment supports Ark’s planned scale-up, including capacity for next-generation GPUs, designed for large-scale AI training and inference. Delivering trillions of computations per second, this level of compute enables high-throughput digital services across sectors – from research and healthcare to finance, media and entertainment – and requires robust, efficient electrical infrastructure.
Andy Garvin, chief operating officer at Ark Data Centres, said: “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 for ABB Electrification, said: “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.”
Steve Hill, divisional contracts director at JCA, said: “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.”
