STT GDC Launches Southeast Asia's First Live HVDC-Powered AI Infrastructure Testbed in Singapore

STT GDC Launches Southeast Asia's First Live HVDC-Powered AI Infrastructure Testbed in Singapore January 27, 2026 In a significant move to address the escalating power demands of artificial intelligence, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) has inaugurated a pioneering direct-current (DC) data center testbed in Singapore. The initiative, named the FutureGrid Accelerator, represents Southeast Asia's first live High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) facility designed to power and test real AI workloads, marking a critical step towards more energy-efficient and resilient digital infrastructure. The launch underscores the industry's urgent search for solutions as AI-driven computing pushes rack power densities toward unprecedented levels, including experimental designs up to 1MW. Traditional data centers operate on alternating current (AC) power, necessitating multiple, loss-prone conversions to the DC power that servers internally require. This "merry-go-round" of AC/DC conversions creates significant energy inefficiencies. HVDC distribution, by contrast, can streamline power delivery, especially when integrated with renewable sources like solar and wind farms that naturally generate DC power. Located at the Nanyang Technological University's Electrification and Power Grids Centre on Jurong Island, the testbed is a joint development by STT GDC and power supply manufacturer Liteon. It is supported by the Energy Research Institute at NTU and the university spin-off, Amperesand. The facility will validate HVDC system performance at power loads of at least 325kW, incorporating Liteon’s data center reference architecture with Amperesand’s Solid State Transformer technology. Beyond supporting higher-density racks, STT GDC states that HVDC offers greater energy savings compared to traditional AC systems, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and less copper usage within a smaller physical footprint. Bruno Lopez, President and Group CEO of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres, framed the project as a strategic investment. "The FutureGrid Accelerator is a strategic investment in Singapore's long-term digital leadership," Lopez said. "By bringing together global industry leaders like Liteon with local deep-tech talent such as Amperesand, we are building infrastructure that is ready for future AI workloads while pioneering sustainable practices and setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon-conscious innovation." The company plans to initially deploy this validated HVDC technology in its future data centers in Singapore before scaling it across its global portfolio. The initiative also includes a significant workforce development component. STT GDC has signed memoranda of understanding with several local educational institutions, including the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore Polytechnic, NTU, and the National University of Singapore. These agreements aim to train more than 8,000 Singaporeans over five years in AI infrastructure and sustainable energy systems through internships, seminars, and mentorship programs. Commenting on the collaborative effort, Gan Siow Huang, Singapore's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & Trade and Industry, said, "The FutureGrid Accelerator demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to drive innovation and strengthen Singapore’s global leadership in cutting-edge technologies." Source: datacenterdynamics