ABB and VoltaGrid Strengthen US Energy Resilience

ABB has announced a major partnership with Texas-based microgrid company VoltaGrid to improve the reliability and stability of power systems supporting the rapid expansion of AI data centres in the United States.

As energy consumption surges due to AI workloads, the collaboration aims to deliver critical grid-stabilising technologies that ensure consistent, resilient power for hyperscale and modular operations.

Strengthening grid stability for AI growth

Under the agreement, ABB will supply 27 synchronous condensers with flywheels and prefabricated eHouse units that include power control, automation and excitation systems. These will integrate into VoltaGrid’s distributed energy sites currently under construction, supporting multiple AI infrastructure projects across the country.

The systems provide high inertia, stabilise voltage and strengthen grid reliability by managing reactive power across complex high-demand environments.

VoltaGrid’s proprietary natural gas-fuelled power generation technology will complement ABB’s systems, forming a hybrid energy network designed for rapid deployment. Capable of functioning as both short-term and long-term behind-the-metre solutions, the units will deliver flexible capacity for hyperscale data centres that require fast and stable power delivery.

Project delivery is expected to begin in December 2025, with the first operational units scheduled for April 2026.

“ABB’s synchronous condensers are vital for meeting the energy demands of next-generation technologies like AI data centres, thanks to their proven ability to ensure grid stability and enhance the overall resilience of power systems,” says 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.”

Meeting the rising power demand from AI

The collaboration comes at a time when US data centre energy consumption continues to climb. In 2024, data centres accounted for around 1.5% of global electricity use, with the US responsible for approximately 45% of that total. Industry analysts expect data centres to drive nearly half of the country’s electricity demand growth by 2030, with AI workloads fuelling much of this expansion.

The growing demand for compute-intensive applications, including generative AI and machine learning, is straining national power grids. Maintaining stable and efficient energy delivery has therefore become one of the biggest challenges for hyperscale operators.

Technologies such as ABB’s synchronous condensers, combined with VoltaGrid’s distributed generation platforms, are emerging as key solutions to maintaining resilience while supporting AI-driven growth.

ABB’s contribution to energy resilience

ABB has been investing in power systems designed to enhance grid stability and support the transition to cleaner, more reliable energy. Its prefabricated eHouse systems are modular and transportable, enabling simplified power distribution and faster deployment of energy infrastructure for large-scale data centre and industrial applications.

“ABB is proud to partner with VoltaGrid and support the evolving energy ecosystem in the US,” says Per Erik Holsten, President of ABB’s Energy Industries division.

“Across the world, data centres are increasingly critical infrastructure and so maintaining grid stability has shifted from being optional to strategic. Delivering stable, reliable and efficient power generation is vital to enable data centre growth. Our integrated automation, electrification and digitalisation solutions play an important role to meet growing demand while maintaining energy security.”

Synchronous condensers for modern data networks

Synchronous condensers are becoming increasingly important for data centres and utilities facing grid instability caused by fluctuating renewable generation and rising load demands.

Although similar in design to large motors or generators, these systems are built to provide instantaneous inertia and short-circuit strength – both essential for maintaining grid balance and reliability.

“Synchronous condensers may resemble large motors or generators in design, but their real strength lies in grid support,” says Kristina Carlquist, Head of Synchronous Condenser Product Line at ABB’s Motion High Power division. “As data centres 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.”

Supporting sustainable power for AI infrastructure

The ABB–VoltaGrid partnership reflects the growing need for integrated, sustainable power strategies that align with the energy intensity of AI-driven computing.

By combining on-site generation with advanced stabilisation technologies, the project aims to help data centre operators secure reliable and resilient energy at scale. As AI continues to transform global infrastructure, such collaborations will be crucial in ensuring that the energy systems underpinning digital innovation remain stable, efficient and sustainable.