ZURICH, Switzerland, Sep 11, 2026 – ABB and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) have identified 800 VDC distribution for AI data centers as a near-term application for hybrid AC/DC power architectures, as more generation, storage and electrical loads operate natively on direct current. Their report examines how reducing AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC conversion stages could reduce power losses and make more capacity available from existing grid connections.
The report “The Strategic Case for Hybrid AC/DC Power: Shaping the Transition to the Next Electrical Architecture” expects AC to remain the main technology for transmission and regional distribution. Direct Current (DC) technology could take a larger role using solar photovoltaic systems, batteries, electric vehicles, AI computing equipment and industrial automation systems.
ABB and BCG identify 800 VDC distribution as an emerging architecture for AI infrastructure as power density increases. The report says the architecture can support more compute capacity within constrained grid connections while reducing conversion losses.
The analysis also covers automation-intensive manufacturing facilities and commercial buildings. DC systems or subsystems can connect onsite renewable generation, energy storage and DC-based loads with fewer power-conversion stages.
“In a world that will require more power while operating within the constraints of existing infrastructure, enabling broader adoption of DC systems will require stronger collaboration among business leaders, policymakers and technology stakeholders, as well as greater attention to the role DC can play,” said Morten Wierod, chief executive officer of ABB. “For more than 25 years, ABB’s DC solutions have helped customers reduce conversion losses, improve power transfer efficiency and lower electricity demand. To enable broader adoption where the business case is strongest, we need common technologies, harmonized standards, and the workforce capabilities to support implementation at scale. AC and DC each have important roles to play, and together they can help build a more efficient, resilient and future-ready electrical system.”
ABB and BCG identify fragmented standards and limited DC-specific skills as key barriers to wider DC deployment. ABB has worked on DC power systems for more than 25 years across electric transport, microgrids and data centers. Its DC-based onboard power system demonstrated fuel savings of up to 27% in vessels.
ABB launched a solid-state circuit breaker in 2022 and holds more than 700 DC-related patents. The company is also applying DC distribution to low-carbon aluminum and green hydrogen projects with industry partners.
Source: ABB
About ABB
ABB is a global technology company specializing in electrification and automation, with headquarters in Zürich, Switzerland, and Västerås, Sweden. Formed in 1988 through the merger of ASEA and Brown, Boveri & Cie, ABB operates in more than 100 countries and serves sectors such as utilities, transportation, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Its portfolio includes robotics, industrial automation systems, electrification products, and motion solutions. The company draws on engineering and digitalization expertise to help industries improve performance and operate efficiently. ABB has a history of more than 140 years and employs about 110,000 people worldwide.
