Siemens and Rittal have announced a strategic partnership to develop advanced power distribution solutions for data centres, targeting the growing demands of AI infrastructure.
The collaboration focuses on delivering standardised, scalable systems for the IEC market that can support faster deployment of high-performance data centres while improving efficiency and sustainability. The move comes as AI-driven workloads continue to push power density requirements to new levels, with current racks exceeding 100 kW and projections suggesting this could rise beyond 1 MW by the end of the decade.
To address these challenges, Siemens’ Smart Infrastructure division will work with Rittal, part of the Friedhelm Loh Group, to design integrated solutions that combine power distribution, cooling and heat management.
A key development under the partnership is a new “sidecar” power concept, which places dedicated power racks directly within the data centre’s operational space. This approach allows server racks to be supplied with power more efficiently through a modular and standardised setup. The solution is designed to simplify deployment, improve system reliability and support the rapid scaling of AI computing environments.
Better energy optimisation
The companies said the system aligns with Open Compute Project standards and integrates proven technologies to enable high availability and optimised energy performance. This is expected to be critical as operators seek to maximise computing output while managing energy consumption.
Executives from both companies highlighted the importance of collaboration in addressing the infrastructure challenges posed by AI. They noted that the increasing complexity of data centres requires more integrated and flexible solutions to ensure reliable and continuous operations.
Beyond the initial solution, Siemens and Rittal are also working on standardised low-voltage distribution systems for modular and containerised data centres. Additional efforts include enhancing operational and personnel safety through improved system design and monitoring capabilities.
Early customer projects using the jointly developed technologies are already underway, signalling strong market demand for next-generation data centre infrastructure.
The partnership will draw on Siemens’ expertise in electrical systems and Rittal’s capabilities in enclosure and platform technologies, including its RiLineX and Ri4Power systems. By combining their respective strengths, the companies aim to accelerate innovation in digital infrastructure and support the expansion of AI-driven services.
Looking ahead, both firms indicated that the collaboration could extend beyond data centres into other industrial applications, as demand for efficient, high-capacity power systems continues to grow.
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Siemens, Rittal partner on AI data centre power
New applications are made possible by the coordinated components from Siemens and the power distribution platforms from Rittal. (Image source: Rittal)
