ABB and BCG Report Highlights Expanding Role of DC Technologies

An ABB and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report emphasizes the increasing significance of direct current (DC) technologies in future power systems. As AI computing grows, the electrification of infrastructure and renewable energy sources are gaining traction, driving interest in DC technology.

The report, titled The Strategic Case for Hybrid AC/DC Power, discusses a hybrid electrical system integrating both alternating current (AC) and DC. While AC will continue to dominate transmission, DC will become crucial for facilities where many energy sources operate on DC.

AI data centers are key contributors to DC adoption, with new architectures like 800 VDC emerging. These enable operators to optimize energy use within grid constraints. Other industries, such as manufacturing and commercial buildings, also stand to benefit from DC systems.

The report calls for common standards and DC-specific skills to accelerate adoption. ABB and BCG address misconceptions and highlight challenges like fragmented standards and a lack of expertise as barriers to deployment.