SolarEdge and Infineon Unite to Power AI and Data Centre Efficiency
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, data centres have become the lifeblood of digital progress. Yet, their colossal energy demands are creating an equally colossal environmental challenge. Recognising the urgency for more sustainable infrastructure, SolarEdge Technologies and Infineon Technologies have joined forces to advance next-generation Solid-State Transformer (SST) technology designed specifically for AI and hyperscale data centres.
This collaboration is poised to reshape how energy is distributed and managed within large-scale computing environments. With the ability to convert medium voltage directly to 800-1500V DC at over 99% efficiency, the joint SST solution promises to deliver a seismic leap in energy performance, reliability, and sustainability.
A Partnership Fuelled by Innovation
SolarEdge Technologies, a global leader in smart energy, and Infineon Technologies, one of the foremost innovators in semiconductor solutions, are combining their respective strengths to create a new benchmark in power conversion efficiency.
The companies are co-developing a modular 2-5 megawatt (MW) SST building block that integrates Infineon’s cutting-edge silicon carbide (SiC) switching technology with SolarEdge’s proven DC architecture and control topologies. The result is an SST system capable of delivering exceptional performance while slashing energy losses.
Shuki Nir, CEO of SolarEdge, underscored the transformative potential of the partnership: “The AI revolution is redefining power infrastructure. It is essential that the data centre industry is equipped with solutions that deliver higher levels of efficiency and reliability. SolarEdge’s deep expertise in DC architecture uniquely positions us to lead this transformation. Collaborating with Infineon brings world-class semiconductor innovation to our efforts to build smarter, more efficient energy systems for the AI era.”
The Future of Power Distribution
Solid-State Transformers represent a paradigm shift in energy conversion and management. Unlike traditional transformers, SSTs use power electronics instead of magnetic cores to transfer energy, enabling higher efficiency, improved control, and reduced weight and size.
The technology under development between SolarEdge and Infineon is designed to enable direct medium-voltage (13.8-34.5 kV) to 800-1500V DC conversion. This eliminates the need for intermediate stages, which typically introduce energy losses and increase system complexity.
Andreas Urschitz, Chief Marketing Officer at Infineon Technologies, highlighted the broader implications: “Collaborations like this are key to enabling the next generation of 800 Volt DC data-centre power systems and further driving decarbonisation. With high-performance SiC technology from Infineon, SolarEdge’s proven capabilities in power management and system optimisation are enhanced, creating a strong foundation for the efficient, scalable, and reliable infrastructure demanded by AI-driven data centres.”
Meeting the Energy Demands of the AI Boom
AI is power-hungry. The rapid expansion of AI models and hyperscale computing infrastructure is driving an exponential rise in energy consumption across global data centres. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centre electricity demand is expected to double by 2026, reaching over 1,000 terawatt-hours annually. This growth necessitates new strategies for efficiency and sustainability.
By introducing a high-efficiency, DC-based infrastructure, SolarEdge and Infineon aim to tackle one of the most pressing issues in modern computing: the mismatch between traditional AC grid systems and the DC-based loads of servers, GPUs, and storage systems. Direct DC distribution significantly reduces energy conversion losses, helping data centres lower operational costs and carbon footprints.
A Catalyst for Performance and Sustainability
At the heart of the collaboration lies silicon carbide (SiC) technology, an advanced semiconductor material that offers superior performance over traditional silicon. SiC devices can operate at higher voltages, temperatures, and switching frequencies, translating to smaller, lighter, and more efficient power systems.
Infineon has long been a pioneer in SiC innovation. By leveraging this material, the joint SST platform will achieve unprecedented efficiency and reliability, ensuring optimal power delivery from the grid to the compute rack. These gains are critical in high-density AI workloads where even minor inefficiencies can lead to significant power waste and heat generation.
Beyond SiC, Infineon’s broad portfolio includes silicon (Si) and gallium nitride (GaN) technologies, which together create a complete ecosystem for power management across various voltage levels. This flexibility enables a holistic approach to designing sustainable, scalable data-centre architectures.
SolarEdge’s Evolution into the Data-Centre Space
SolarEdge’s expertise in DC optimisation and power electronics has long defined its success in the renewable energy sector. Its intelligent inverter technology revolutionised photovoltaic (PV) systems by maximising energy yield while minimising costs. Now, the company is bringing that same ingenuity to the data-centre market.
With over 15 years of leadership in DC-coupled systems, SolarEdge is uniquely positioned to apply its technologies beyond solar applications. The company’s move into data-centre infrastructure represents a natural progression, one that aligns with global trends toward electrification, digitalisation, and decarbonisation.
By developing the SST platform with Infineon, SolarEdge is set to offer solutions that seamlessly bridge the gap between renewable generation, grid connection, and compute operations, all while reducing CO₂ emissions and improving overall system resilience.
Powering Digitalisation with Decarbonisation
Infineon’s broader mission, to drive decarbonisation and digitalisation, perfectly complements SolarEdge’s vision of a smarter, more sustainable energy future. The collaboration is more than a technological partnership; it’s a strategic alliance aimed at redefining how power infrastructure supports the AI economy.
Infineon’s financial strength and global reach underscore its capability to deliver such innovation at scale. With approximately 58,000 employees and revenues of €15 billion in fiscal 2024, the company remains a dominant force in power systems and IoT solutions worldwide.
By combining Infineon’s semiconductor breakthroughs with SolarEdge’s renewable energy expertise, the two companies are not only addressing today’s data-centre challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable digital future.
Towards a Sustainable and Scalable Digital Infrastructure
The implications of this collaboration extend far beyond efficiency gains. It represents a major step toward aligning technological advancement with environmental responsibility. As AI and digital services continue to expand, the world needs infrastructure that’s both powerful and planet-friendly.
The SolarEdge-Infineon partnership underscores how cross-sector collaboration can accelerate innovation and drive meaningful progress. By tackling the inefficiencies of today’s energy systems, they’re building a blueprint for tomorrow’s sustainable digital infrastructure.
In a rapidly evolving landscape where every watt counts, this joint venture demonstrates that the future of data centres isn’t just about processing power, it’s about empowering the planet.
