ZURICH, Switzerland, June 23, 2025 – Applied Digital has entered into an infrastructure partnership with ABB to support development at its 400 MW greenfield campus in North Dakota. The collaboration will design energy-efficient systems that support the demands of advanced AI and performance-driven computing. Initial equipment orders were placed in Q4 2024 and Q1 2025, marking the first phase of implementation. Technical details on the deployment strategy are expected as the project progresses.
The partnership centers on a medium voltage power setup that uses ABB’s HiPerGuard medium voltage static Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). HiPerGuard supports AI data centers by raising power density, reducing the amount of space needed for electrical equipment, and improving energy usage. The partnership covers the design and building of the site’s electrical systems, focused on making AI centers efficient and reliable.
Traditional data centers rely on low voltage systems for power distribution and backup. Using medium voltage for power and UPS allows for capacity expansion in increments of up to 25 MW. This approach reduces equipment and wiring, simplifying installation and improving system reliability. Using higher voltage reduces power conversion losses and thermal output, improving operations.
“What we are building with ABB is going to completely change the way our industry designs large-scale data centers. By leveraging ABB’s cutting-edge technology and global reach, we are able to redefine the electrical infrastructure landscape and meet the growing demands to support large scale AI Factories,” said Todd Gale, chief development officer, Applied Digital.
Massimiliano Cifalitti, smart power president, ABB Electrification, said: “Partnerships like this are accelerating the timeline for AI-ready data centers with more competitive, resilient power infrastructures. ABB’s technology is designed for peak performance with dedicated capacity across our global production network and industry-leading innovation. ABB teams are ready to deliver at scale and at speed.”
ABB’s investment in medium voltage UPS technology is gaining traction as demand shifts toward power architectures. Early adoption of the HiPerGuard system by data centers and research facilities in North America and Europe reflects a focus on energy efficiency and support for power densities. AI-driven workloads are increasing pressure on legacy power systems, making medium voltage UPS a suitable option for improving efficiency and supporting modern data center infrastructure.
Source: ABB
About ABB
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, and Västerås, Sweden. Formed in 1988 through the merger of Sweden’s ASEA and Switzerland’s Brown, Boveri & Cie, the company traces its roots back to 1883. ABB operates in over 100 countries, serving industries such as utilities, transportation, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Its offerings include robotics, industrial automation, electrification products, and motion solutions. As of 2024, ABB reported revenues of approximately $33 billion and employed around 110,000 people worldwide. The company operates in over 100 countries, across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. ABB focuses on innovation and sustainability by investing in research and development to support the shift toward a more resource-efficient future.
About Applied Digital
Applied Digital Corporation, established in 2021 and based in Dallas, TX, develops and operates digital infrastructure across North America. The company focuses on three main areas: data center hosting, cloud services, and high-performance computing (HPC) hosting. Its facilities are designed for compute-intensive workloads, including AI, HPC applications, and blockchain operations. As of fiscal year ending May 31, 2024, the company reported $165.6 million in annual revenue. By early 2025, trailing twelve-month revenue reached approximately $221.2 million. Applied Digital employs about 150 staff and continues to expand its infrastructure footprint. One of its key initiatives includes the Ellendale, North Dakota campus, supported by a 15-year, 250 MW lease agreement.