ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) has launched a direct-current data centre testbed, called the FutureGrid Accelerator in Singapore.
The accelerator is located at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) Electrification and Power Grids Centre (EPGC) on Jurong Island. According to the STT GDC, it is the region’s first live testbed to demonstrate the integration of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) with real AI workloads, designed to meet the high-density and reliability demands of next-generation AI computing.
The initiative was jointly developed by STT GDC and LITEON, with support from the Energy Research Institute @ NTU and NTU deep-tech spin-off Amperesand.
While HVDC is expected to play a central role in future AI-driven data centre architectures, STT GDC said the technology also has broader implications for energy systems.
Although the processors inside servers operate on direct current (DC), most data centres receive and distribute electricity using alternating current (AC).
This mismatch requires multiple AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC conversions along the power chain, resulting in avoidable energy losses and inefficiencies. HVDC addresses these challenges by enabling higher efficiency and density.
The company said HVDC-based systems can deliver more energy savings compared with conventional AC designs, reduce carbon emissions and lower copper usage.
The accelerator will validate HVDC system performance at power loads of at least 325kW. The environment incorporates Liteon’s data centre reference architecture with Amperesand’s Solid State Transformer (SST) technology.
ST Telemedia Global Data Centres' President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Bruno Lopez said, “The FutureGrid Accelerator is a strategic investment in Singapore's long-term digital leadership."
He added that 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.
STT GDC has entered into memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore), and the National University of Singapore (NUS) to grow the local talent pipeline for data centres.
The company said the agreements will help Singaporeans get immersive, hands-on experience in data centre operations and corporate functions.
