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Eaton leverages local edge to address power demands amid data center expansion in Taiwan

Ninelu Tu, Taipei; Levi Li, DIGITIMES Asia 0

Credit: DIGITIMES

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving major tech companies like AWS, Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA to rapidly expand their presence. Their establishment of data centers in Taiwan is fueling a surge in demand for energy management solutions.

Tony Lin, the country manager for Taiwan and the Philippines at Eaton, highlighted that rising energy demand in Taiwan underscores the need for stable power systems. Eaton is not only consistently investing in capacity expansion but also targeting high-energy sectors like steel and chemicals for further growth.

According to estimates by Taiwan Power Company, the power demand from the semiconductor and AI sectors will exceed 1 million kilowatts by 2028. To support companies in achieving effective power management and energy-saving goals, Eaton has launched a comprehensive series of products designed to assist Taiwan-based businesses.

Lin observed that rising power needs are leading enterprises to demand greater stability from power systems. Eaton meets these needs with tailored solutions and partnerships with tech companies to drive multiple initiatives.

Eaton's power management solutions are believed to be integral to the Helix project, a Dell and NVIDIA collaboration. These solutions facilitate the rapid and secure deployment of generative AI applications, integrating high-performance servers, GPUs, and AI tools. They enhance AI infrastructure performance and reduce risks, time, and operational costs.

Lin stated that the rapid development of electrification, the increase in IoT and AI devices, the trend toward smart manufacturing in high-tech and semiconductor plants, advancements in factory automation, natural resource constraints, and the rise of renewable energy will all reshape energy consumption and demand.

To satisfy Taiwan's current market demands, Lin emphasized that Eaton delivers a complete range of power management solutions, from uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to power distribution. This is backed by their extensive experience in the semiconductor sector and their expertise in building power systems for high-tech facilities. Eaton also provides expert consulting services, addressing the needs of both major semiconductor companies and smaller enterprises.

With the acquisition of Phoenixtec, Eaton stands out as a foreign company with substantial production facilities in Taiwan. Lin stressed that Eaton introduces new technologies and products rather than just importing them, leveraging local production advantages to provide superior technical services, shorter lead times, and customized solutions tailored to local needs.

The growth of the semiconductor industry and data centers in Taiwan raises high expectations for future market expansion. Lin revealed that Eaton has doubled its production capacity for scale-up UPS systems, vital for the semiconductor industry and similar sectors, to fulfill this anticipated demand and accommodate the growth of related industries.

Lin is also optimistic about the growth prospects in Taiwan's high-energy-consuming industries, including steel, cables, and chemicals. To capitalize on this potential, Eaton will expand its business and customer service teams in Taiwan, enhance project management, and accelerate new product launches and local production. These efforts aim to provide comprehensive, efficient, and sustainable power management solutions that support energy-saving and carbon reduction goals.