13 January 2026
Ark Data Centres has launched a pioneering project at its Surrey campus, collaborating with ABB and JCA to deploy the UK’s first turnkey medium-voltage uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system designed explicitly for AI workloads. 
Central to this initiative is a 25MVA capacity, establishing a new benchmark for high-density GPU clusters and supporting the rapid growth of AI-driven data center operations.
The project features ABB’s innovative HiPerGuard solid-state medium-voltage UPS, integrated with UniGear switchgear and Zenon ZEE600 control system, creating an end-to-end electrical platform. This architecture not only manages the core power delivery at medium voltage but also enhances efficiency, reduces losses, and optimizes space utilization. The design aligns with the increasing power demands of AI training and inference, which impose heavier and more variable loads compared to traditional enterprise applications.
According to Andy Garvin, COO of Ark Data Centres, the solution positions the company to meet emerging power challenges while supporting the UK’s digital ambitions. “AI is accelerating data center growth and pushing the boundaries of capacity, resilience, and sustainability,” he said. “Our collaboration with ABB has resulted in a first-of-its-kind infrastructure that is ready for future AI demands.”
The Surrey site will host next-generation GPUs capable of trillion-scale computations, supporting sectors like healthcare, finance, research, and media. The new electrical architecture not only boosts power density but also helps reclaim valuable floor space previously dedicated to low-voltage equipment, enabling the deployment of denser AI clusters.
ABB’s medium-voltage approach improves operational stability by maintaining power quality at a higher voltage level, which reduces the need for generator use, cuts energy losses, and minimizes heat and noise output—contributing to more sustainable and resource-efficient operations. The system operates at 98% efficiency under load, easing thermal management and lowering environmental impact.
JCA, a specialist in mechanical and electrical systems, is responsible for the project’s installation and commissioning. Steve Hill, JCA’s Divisional Contracts Director, highlighted the benefits of a streamlined, integrated approach: “Having one partner responsible for switchgear, UPS, and controls reduced complexity and kept the project on schedule. Effective coordination meant Ark could benefit from the new infrastructure without delays or additional risks.”
This medium-voltage architecture is gaining traction among data center operators preparing for AI’s exponential growth and potential grid constraints. By operating at higher voltage levels, facilities can support more dense racks, improve power stability, and reduce reliance on traditional backup generators. Ark’s Surrey deployment is set to serve as a reference model for future UK data center projects seeking resilient, efficient, and environmentally conscious power solutions for AI workloads.
"AI is transforming data center design and capacity planning,” Garvin concluded. “With this innovative infrastructure, Ark is future-proofing its operations and setting the standard for sustainable, high-performance data centers in the AI era.”
