Building trust into advanced data center power architectures
The rapid expansion of data centers, largely driven by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads, has made power management a critical challenge. Grid constraints are pushing operators to rethink their power strategies and invest in on-site power generation via fuel cells, microgrids and small modular reactors (SMRs).
Data centers are shifting to high-voltage direct current (HVDC) architecture to support high-density AI racks, deliver more efficient power over longer distances, and minimize energy loss and heat generation.
With these changes in data center power architectures come unique safety and interoperability risks, necessitating testing and certification to appropriate standards. UL Solutions helps data center stakeholders navigate surging energy demands with comprehensive services for energy infrastructure systems and components. Our testing, inspection, certification, field evaluation, verification and advisory services can help you demonstrate compliance and build trust.
Overcoming data center power and energy management challenges
Escalating demand for robust primary power supply
Data centers require resilient and high-capacity electrical infrastructure to support uninterrupted operations and rapid growth.
Renewable energy integration
The integration of on-site solar, wind and battery energy storage systems introduces complexity in regulatory compliance and system interoperability.
Grid code compliance
As data centers add on-site power generation, complying with a complex web of grid codes and technical rules for interconnection becomes increasingly challenging.
Diverse power distribution needs
Efficient power delivery requires cables for various voltages and converters, each with distinct testing and certification needs.
Backup power reliability
Generators, turbines, inverters and UPS enable uninterrupted operations during grid outages. Testing and certification are needed to demonstrate safety, performance and compliance.
Navigating regulatory and market access requirements
Meeting diverse safety standards and market access requirements for power supply and distribution systems and components is a persistent challenge.
Safety and performance risks in energy storage systems (ESS)
High-capacity ESS introduce risks such as fire propagation, requiring comprehensive testing for safety and performance under hazardous conditions.
165%
Forecasted 2023-2030 increase in global data center electricity consumption.
(Source)
63%
Global average of data center power usage effectiveness in 2023.
(Source)
9%
Projected contribution of U.S. data centers to total electricity generation by 2030.
(Source)
30%
Expected percentage of data centers that will use on‑site power as a primary source by 2030.
(Source)
200+
Renewable installations supported by UL Solutions, totaling 9+ gigawatts.
(Source)
70
GW
Wind installations across hundreds of projects worldwide supported by UL Solutions.
(Source)
Meet our experts
"Sustainability without addressing safety is unsustainable."
Ken Boyce
Vice President, Principal Engineering, Industrial
Services for primary power supply and distribution
Medium-voltage and high-voltage cable systems testing
We offer type, pre-qualification and diagnostic tests; test commissioning; factory audits and inspections; and advisory services for the full range of medium- and high-voltage cable systems.
Field evaluation services
Demonstrate the safety and code compliance of electrical equipment installed or modified on site: distributed generation equipment, energy storage systems, power distribution equipment and more.
Power utilities testing, certification and assessment
Get safety testing and certification, performance verification and interoperability testing for utility-owned or interconnected products
Offerings for redundant power supply
Energy storage system testing and certification
We offer comprehensive services for energy storage systems, including safety and performance testing to global standards, custom research and testing, witness testing, and field evaluations.
Microgrid system technology
We offer safety testing, inspection, certification, modeling software, advisory services and more to help data center stakeholders advance renewable energy systems.
PV inverter and BESS converter certification
We offer inverter and converter testing, certification and evaluation for compliance with a wide range of local, national and international standards
Services for renewable energy integration
Solar energy testing, inspection, and certification services
We offer testing and certification services for solar energy systems and components, including panels, inverters, modules, mounting systems, building-integrated systems, BESS converters and more.
Wind energy testing, inspection and certification services
Access grid code compliance, electrical validation, low-voltage ride through, power, mechanical load and performance testing, as well as lifetime extension and project certification.
Grid solutions
As renewable energy becomes central to your power strategy, we deliver site-specific forecasts and long-term climate impact assessments to help you anticipate conditions and optimize grid operations.
Additional offerings
Primary power supply and distribution
Power data centers for AI-driven demands
Build robust, efficient energy systems with confidence.
Explore more offerings for data centers
More secure ICT and computing infrastructure for data centers
UL Solutions offers comprehensive testing, certification and advisory services for network infrastructure, IT hardware, cybersecurity and smart building systems.
Efficient cooling and thermal management for data centers
We offer testing and certification for liquid and air cooling technologies to help you demonstrate compliance, and Marketing Claim Verification to help you build trust.
Safer and more secure built environment for data centers
Our testing, inspection, certification and advisory address risks facing modern facilities, from fire and extreme weather to physical and cybersecurity threats.
Enhanced operational efficiency for data centers
Our services and software support modular data center certification, system integrator training, sustainability, market access, supply chain transparency and more.
Additional data center resources
Our Data Center Offerings
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Our Data Center Offerings
(Simplified Chinese)
Safety Certification of IT Equipment Cooling in Data Centers
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