STT GDC Launches Southeast Asia’s First HVDC-Powered AI Infrastructure Testbed

Singapore, Singapore - January 26, 2026 - ST Telemedia Global Data Centers (STT GDC) has unveiled a high-voltage direct current (HVDC)-powered artificial intelligence infrastructure testbed, marking what the company describes as Southeast Asia’s first live HVDC-enabled AI data center platform designed to support next-generation high-density computing.

The initiative, named the FutureGrid Accelerator, was launched at Nanyang Technological University’s Electrification and Power Grids center on Jurong Island, where STT GDC executives and government representatives detailed the new platform’s capabilities and strategic importance. The testbed is aimed at validating HVDC power delivery for AI workloads and improving energy efficiency and performance in data centers at scale.

Unlike traditional alternating current (AC) power architectures, HVDC systems can reduce the number of power conversion stages and decrease cable and transformer infrastructure, potentially lowering energy losses and operational costs. STT GDC said the FutureGrid Accelerator will test HVDC distribution under loads of at least 325 kilowatts using current AI server configurations, incorporating technologies from partners including LITEON Technology and Amperesand.

The pilot project uses LITEON’s reference architecture and Amperesand’s solid-state transformer technology to assess the feasibility of broader HVDC power deployment in commercial data centers. Company leaders said successful validation could influence future STT GDC campuses in Singapore and other markets as operators respond to rising AI power demands and sustainability goals.

The launch was officiated by Gan Siow Huang, Singapore’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Industry, underscoring the government’s support for advanced power architectures and digital infrastructure innovation. Minister Gan said the initiative aligns with Singapore’s efforts to foster innovation in sustainable energy and next-generation compute infrastructure, particularly as demand for AI services grows regionally.

In conjunction with the testbed introduction, STT GDC signed memoranda of understanding with four Singapore institutions, the Institute of Technical Education, Singapore Polytechnic, Nanyang Technological University, and the National University of Singapore, to develop workforce skills relevant to AI infrastructure, power systems, and sustainable digital operations. The agreements aim to support training for more than 8,000 Singaporeans over the next five years.

Industry analysts noted that HVDC power delivery is gaining interest as data center power densities rise with AI and high-performance computing workloads. By reducing conversion losses and simplifying power distribution, HVDC could help operators enhance efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, particularly in regions where power costs and sustainability targets are critical competitive factors.

STT GDC said it will continue to refine the technology and share outcomes with its engineering and development teams globally as part of a broader strategy to support AI-ready infrastructure with lower environmental impact and higher energy utilization efficiency.