Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Intelligent power management company Eaton and data center design and build company CTS Nordics have officially launched the new NordicEPOD factory in Oslo. This cutting-edge facility will manufacture standardized power modules, known as EPODs, aimed at significantly reducing construction time for data centers.
This strategic investment follows Eaton’s acquisition of NordicEPOD AS, previously a subsidiary of CTS Nordics, and reflects a strong commitment to addressing the complexities, costs, and lead times associated with large data center construction. The new 12,000-square-meter factory is poised to produce up to 350 EPODs annually.
Innovative Technology for Enhanced Efficiency
Eaton’s proprietary technology embedded within the EPODs guarantees the delivery of highly energy-efficient critical power to servers via the EnergyAware Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). This advanced UPS enables data centers to better integrate variable renewable energy sources into the power grid. Additionally, Eaton’s proven SF6-free medium voltage switchgear differentiates these EPODs from similar prefabricated power modules, offering a unique solution for data center operators.
The Future of Data Center Construction
Power modules are becoming the preferred choice for many data center customers across Europe, particularly as the demand for new data center capacity skyrockets, driven by the growing requirements of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. With an expanding workforce of 300, the NordicEPOD factory is situated in the emerging digital industry hub at Hanekleiva, capitalizing on the Nordic region’s abundant renewable energy resources.
Efficient Design and Customization Options
The EPODs produced in this new facility are fully digitally enabled, completing Level 1 to 3 commissioning before leaving the factory. This level of preparation reduces the need for skilled labor on-site, leading to significant cost savings. While designed for rapid deployment and high-quality standards, these modules also offer customization options to meet specific customer needs.
Engineered to bridge the gap between the power grid and a data center’s IT infrastructure, EPODs contain critical power, backup, cooling, and control systems. They are capable of supplying up to 2MW of electrical power, incorporating Eaton’s UPSs and switchgear.
Industry Leadership
Ciarán Forde, Vice President of Strategic Accounts and Alliances at Eaton EMEA, stated, “Eaton’s advanced EnergyAware UPS, utilizing silicon-carbide inverters, along with the industry’s most reliable SF6-free medium voltage switchgear, make our EPOD technology uniquely beneficial for data center operators.”
Gisle Eckhoff, Vice President of Business Development at CTS Nordics, added, “Our expertise in data center design combined with Eaton’s proven power management technology creates a winning formula for the industry, particularly given the current shortage of construction and engineering skills in Europe.”
The opening of the NordicEPOD factory signifies a pivotal advancement in the data center construction landscape, equipping operators with innovative solutions to meet the escalating demand for capacity. As the industry evolves, partnerships like that of Eaton and CTS Nordics will be crucial in driving sustainable growth and operational efficiency in the digital age.
