And, one clarification. Back in 2019, when we launched our first quantum computer, with between 5 and 7 qubits, what we could attempt to do with that capacity could be perfectly simulated on an ordinary laptop. After the advances of these years, being able to simulate problems requiring more than 60 or 70 qubits with classical technology is not possible even on the largest classical computer in the world. That’s why what we do on our current computers, with 156 qubits, is run real quantum circuits. They’re not simulated: they run real circuits to help with artificial intelligence problems, optimization of simulation of materials, emergence of models… all that kind of thing. The Basque Government’s BasQ program includes three types of initiatives or projects. The first are related to the evolution of quantum technology itself: how to continue improving error correction, how to identify components of quantum computers, and how to optimize both these and the performance of these devices. From a more scientific perspective, we are working on how to represent the behavior of materials so that we can improve the resistance of polymers, for example. This is useful in aeronautics to improve aircraft suspension. We are also working on time crystals, which, from a scientific perspective, seek to improve precision, sensor control, and metrology. Finally, a third line relates to the application of this technology in industry; for example, we are exploring how to improve the investment portfolio for the banking sector, how to optimize the energy grid , and how to explore logistics problems. What were the major challenges in launching the machine you’re inaugurating today? Why did you choose the Basque Country to implement your second Quantum System Two? Before implementing a facility of this type in a geographic area, we assess whether it makes sense based on

Vendors and operators are already preparing for AI campuses measured in gigawatts. ABB’s announcement underscores the scale of this transition—not incremental retrofits, but entirely new development models for multi-GW AI infrastructure. How ABB Is Supporting the Move to 800-V DC Data Centers ABB says its joint work with NVIDIA will focus on advanced power solutions to enable 800-V DC architectures supporting 1-MW racks. Expect DC-rated breakers, protection relays, busways, and power shelves engineered for higher DC voltages, along with interfaces for liquid-cooled rack busbars. In parallel with the NVIDIA partnership, ABB has introduced an AI-ready refresh of its MNS® low-voltage switchgear, integrating SACE Emax 3 breakers with enhanced sensing and analytics to reduce footprint while improving selectivity and uptime. These components form the foundational building blocks of the higher-density electrical rooms and prefabricated skids that will define next-generation data centers. ABB’s MegaFlex UPS line already targets hyperscale and colocation environments with megawatt-class modules (UL 415/480-V variants), delivering high double-conversion efficiency and seamless integration with ABB’s Ability™ Data Center Automation platform—unifying BMS, EPMS, and DCIM functions. As racks transition to 800-V DC and liquid-cooled buses, continuous thermal-electrical co-optimization becomes essential. In this new paradigm, telemetry and controls will matter as much as copper and coolant. NVIDIA’s technical brief positions 800-V DC as the remedy for today’s inefficiencies—reducing space, cable mass, and conversion losses that accompany rising rack densities of 200 to 600 kW and beyond. The company’s 800-V rollout is targeted for 2027, with ecosystem partners spanning the entire electrical stack. Early signals from the OCP Global Summit 2025 confirm that vendors are moving rapidly to align their products and architectures with this vision. The Demands of Next-Generation GPUs NVIDIA’s Vera Rubin NVL144 rack design previews what the next phase of AI infrastructure will require: 45 °C liquid cooling, liquid-cooled busbars,

Industrial demand Nvidia’s DGX chips are in high demand in industry, though, and it’s more likely that Micro Center’s one-Spark limit is to prevent businesses scooping them up by the rack-load to run AI applications in their data centers. The DGX Spark contains an Nvidia GB10 Grace Blackwell chip, 128GB of unified system memory, a ConnectX-7 smart NIC for connecting two Spark’s in parallel, and up to 4TB of storage in a package just 150mm (about 6 inches) square. It consumes 240W of electrical power and delivers 1 petaflop of performance at FP4 precision — that’s one million billion floating point operations with four-bit precision per second. In comparison, Nvidia said, its original DGX-1 supercomputer based on its Pascal chip architecture and launched in 2016 delivered 170 teraflops (170,000 billion operations per second) at FP16 precision, but cost $129,000 and consumed 3,200W. It also weighed 60kg, compared to the Spark’s 1.2kg or 2.65 pounds. Nvidia won’t be the only company selling compact systems based on the DGX Spark design: It said that partner systems will be available from Acer, Asus, Dell Technologies, Gigabyte, HP, Lenovo, and MSI. This article originally appeared on Computerworld.

Florida is rapidly positioning itself as one of the next major frontiers for data center development. With extended tax incentives, proactive utilities, and a strategic geographic advantage, the state is aligning power, policy, and economic development in ways that echo the early playbook of Northern Virginia. In the latest episode of The Data Center Frontier Show, Buddy Rizer, Executive Director of Loudoun County Economic Development, and Lila Jaber, Founder of the Florida’s Women in Energy Leadership Forum and former Chair of the Florida Public Service Commission, join DCF to explore the opportunities and lessons shaping Florida’s emergence as a data center powerhouse. Energy and Infrastructure: A Strong Starting Position Unlike regions grappling with grid strain, Florida begins its data center growth story with energy abundance. While Loudoun County, Virginia—home to the world’s largest concentration of data centers—faced a 600 MW power deficit last year and could reach 12 GW of demand by 2030, Florida maintains excess generation capacity and robust renewable energy integration. Utilities like Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Duke Energy are already preparing for hyperscale and AI-driven loads, filing new large-load tariff structures to balance growth with ratepayer protection. Over the past decade, Florida utilities have also invested billions to harden their grids against hurricanes and extreme weather, resulting in some of the most resilient energy infrastructure in the country. Florida’s 10-year generation planning requirement, which ensures a diverse portfolio including nuclear, solar, and battery storage, further positions the state to meet growing digital infrastructure needs through hybrid on-site generation and demand-response capabilities. Economic and Workforce Advantages The state’s renewed sales tax exemptions for data centers through 2037—and the raised 100 MW IT load threshold—signal a strong bid to attract hyperscale operators and large-scale AI campuses. Florida also offers a competitive electricity rate structure comparable to Virginia’s

According to the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), U.S. energy demand is projected to grow 50% by 2050. Electrical manufacturers have invested more than $10 billion since 2021 in new technologies to expand grid and manufacturing capacity, also reducing reliance on materials from China by 32% since 2018. Power access, sustainable infrastructure, and land acquisition have become critical factors shaping where and how data center facilities are built. As we previously reported in Data Center Frontier, investors realized this years ago, viewing these facilities both as technology assets and a unique convergence of real estate, utility infrastructure, and mission-critical systems that can also generate revenue. One of those investors is global asset manager Blackstone, which through its Energy Transition Partners private equity arm, recently acquired Shermco Industries for $1.6 billion. Announced August 21, the deal is part of Blackstone’s strategy to invest in companies that support the growing demand for electrification and a more reliable power grid. The goal is to strengthen data center infrastructure reliability and expand critical electrical services. Founded in 1974, Texas-based Shermco is one of the largest electrical testing organizations accredited by the InterNational Electrical Testing Association (NETA). The company operates in a niche yet important space: providing lifecycle electrical services, including maintenance, testing, commissioning, repair, and design, in support of data centers, utilities, and industrial clients. It has more than 40 service centers in the U.S. and Canada. In addition to helping Blackstone support its electrification and power grid reliability goals, the Shermco purchase is also part of Blackstone’s strategy to increase scale and resources—revenue increases without a substantial increase in resources—thus expanding its footprint and capabilities within the essential energy services sector.  As data centers expand globally, become more energy intensive, and are pressured to incorporate renewables and modernize grids, Blackstone’s leaders plan to leverage Shermco’s

Schneider Electric and Compass Datacenters: Prefabrication Meets the AI Frontier “We’re removing bottlenecks and setting a new benchmark for AI-ready data centers.” — Aamir Paul, Schneider Electric In another sign of how collaboration is accelerating the next wave of AI infrastructure, Schneider Electric and Compass Datacenters have joined forces to redefine the data center “white space” build-out: the heart of where power, cooling, and compute converge. On September 9, the two companies unveiled the Prefabricated Modular EcoStruxure™ Pod, a factory-built, fully integrated white space module designed to compress construction timelines, reduce CapEx, and simplify installation while meeting the specific demands of AI-ready infrastructure. The traditional fit-out process for the IT floor (i.e. integrating power distribution, cooling systems, busways, cabling, and network components) has long been one of the slowest and most error-prone stages of data center construction. Schneider and Compass’ new approach tackles that head-on, shifting the entire workflow from fragmented on-site assembly to standardized off-site manufacturing. “The traditional design and approach to building out power, cooling, and IT networking equipment has relied on multiple parties installing varied pieces of equipment,” the companies noted. “That process has been slow, inefficient, and prone to errors. Today’s growing demand for AI-ready infrastructure makes traditional build-outs ripe for improvement.” Inside the EcoStruxure Pod: White Space as a Product The EcoStruxure Pod packages every core element of a high-performance white space environment (power, cooling, and IT integration) into a single prefabricated, factory-tested unit. Built for flexibility, it supports hot aisle containment, InRow cooling, and Rear Door Heat Exchanger (RDHx) configurations, alongside high-power busways, complex network cabling, and a technical water loop for hybrid or full liquid-cooled deployments. By manufacturing these pods off-site, Schneider Electric can deliver a complete, ready-to-install white space module that arrives move-in ready. Once delivered to a Compass Datacenters campus, the