Industry Consensus on AI Power Architecture Emerges at Datacloud 2026
In a significant panel discussion at the Datacloud Global Congress 2026 held in Paris, representatives from Ampace, Eaton, Siemens, Riello UPS, and Ramboll convened to deliberate on the evolving needs of power supply architectures tailored for supporting the next generation of high-density artificial intelligence (AI) computing. The focal point of this discussion revolved around the question of whether alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) systems are better suited to address the requirements of tomorrow's high-density computing environments.
Experts from across the energy and digital infrastructure ecosystem engaged in deep discussions, emphasizing the challenge posed by traditional power supply systems when handling AI workloads. With increasing rack densities and workload fluctuations, the need for a responsive, scalable, and interoperable infrastructure has become more critical than ever. Panelists highlighted a recurring theme about the changing landscape regarding the role of batteries in AI power supply systems. The perception of energy storage is shifting from merely being seen as a backup power solution to being recognized as an active infrastructural level that can support load smoothing, grid coordination, and dynamic energy management.
During the session, James Li, Ampace's Managing Director for UPS, Data Centers, and Telecommunications, pointed out that AI workloads introduce performance profiles that significantly differ from traditional data center environments. He accentuated the urgent need for battery systems that can adapt to high-frequency load fluctuations while also ensuring safety, reliability, and readiness for emergencies. Further insights were provided by Aaron Schott, UPS Sales Director at Ampace, who discussed in his talk titled ‘Smoothing the AI Power Curve’ how advanced lithium battery systems can help balance the performance variances caused by AI workloads at the UPS level, thereby enhancing infrastructure stability and supporting the future rollout of AI technologies.
These discussions echo broader industry conversations taking place throughout 2026, which are being featured at major infrastructure events. Notable topics include those highlighted by Ampace and Eaton at the Data Center World Washington event concerning AI load smoothing, battery intelligence, and the changing role of energy storage within UPS architectures. This discourse holds particular significance for Europe, where concerns such as grid bottlenecks, rising energy costs, and the mandates of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) are driving the demand for power supply solutions that are secure, efficient, and compatible with existing infrastructure ecosystems.
As AI continues to be at the forefront of technological advancement, discussions like these not only showcase the immediate needs of the industry but also pave the way for innovative solutions that can adapt to future challenges in energy and data management. The collaborative spirit demonstrated at the Datacloud Congress reflects a pivotal step toward establishing a consensus on AI power architectures that can lead the charge into a more efficient, intelligent computing future. Attendees leave with a heightened awareness of the dynamic interplay between infrastructure development, technological innovation, and the pressing demands of high-density computing powered by AI. As the industry adjusts to these trends, the focus remains on creating resilient and responsive systems that can support a new era of digital transformation and energy management.
Experts from across the energy and digital infrastructure ecosystem engaged in deep discussions, emphasizing the challenge posed by traditional power supply systems when handling AI workloads. With increasing rack densities and workload fluctuations, the need for a responsive, scalable, and interoperable infrastructure has become more critical than ever. Panelists highlighted a recurring theme about the changing landscape regarding the role of batteries in AI power supply systems. The perception of energy storage is shifting from merely being seen as a backup power solution to being recognized as an active infrastructural level that can support load smoothing, grid coordination, and dynamic energy management.
During the session, James Li, Ampace's Managing Director for UPS, Data Centers, and Telecommunications, pointed out that AI workloads introduce performance profiles that significantly differ from traditional data center environments. He accentuated the urgent need for battery systems that can adapt to high-frequency load fluctuations while also ensuring safety, reliability, and readiness for emergencies. Further insights were provided by Aaron Schott, UPS Sales Director at Ampace, who discussed in his talk titled ‘Smoothing the AI Power Curve’ how advanced lithium battery systems can help balance the performance variances caused by AI workloads at the UPS level, thereby enhancing infrastructure stability and supporting the future rollout of AI technologies.
These discussions echo broader industry conversations taking place throughout 2026, which are being featured at major infrastructure events. Notable topics include those highlighted by Ampace and Eaton at the Data Center World Washington event concerning AI load smoothing, battery intelligence, and the changing role of energy storage within UPS architectures. This discourse holds particular significance for Europe, where concerns such as grid bottlenecks, rising energy costs, and the mandates of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) are driving the demand for power supply solutions that are secure, efficient, and compatible with existing infrastructure ecosystems.
As AI continues to be at the forefront of technological advancement, discussions like these not only showcase the immediate needs of the industry but also pave the way for innovative solutions that can adapt to future challenges in energy and data management. The collaborative spirit demonstrated at the Datacloud Congress reflects a pivotal step toward establishing a consensus on AI power architectures that can lead the charge into a more efficient, intelligent computing future. Attendees leave with a heightened awareness of the dynamic interplay between infrastructure development, technological innovation, and the pressing demands of high-density computing powered by AI. As the industry adjusts to these trends, the focus remains on creating resilient and responsive systems that can support a new era of digital transformation and energy management.
Topics Consumer Technology）
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