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Oct 30
Power shortages slow AI data-center builds as Delta expands HVDC, SOFC
Power shortages and a shortage of high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) technicians in the US are slowing AI data center construction and making delivery schedules harder to predict, Delta Electronics chairman Ping Cheng said at an investor conference on October 29. Delta will continue developing HVDC and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems to pursue opportunities in data center power supply and energy efficiency.
Qisda President Cally Ko said future infrastructure supporting autonomous physical AI would evolve beyond simply providing connectivity and power to also deliver sensing, computing, and autonomous dispatching capabilities. She also disclosed that the company's commercial drones had already secured orders and entered production, while its quadruped robots were expected to be unveiled publicly in early 2027.
Germany is advancing a pragmatically diversified transport and energy strategy centered on renewable diesel and electricity-based sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF). As the country works to avoid over-reliance on any single energy source while maintaining energy security and grid stability, this policy shift is actively reshaping supply-chain dynamics across Europe and Taiwan.
Geothermal energy commercialization in Taiwan has taken a major step forward with a 20-plus MW corporate power purchase agreement (CPPA) from a semiconductor giant, yet for geothermal energy developers and operators, numerous obstacles still remain before it can become a stable, continuous power source.
Australia's push to become an AI infrastructure hub for the Asia-Pacific is running into constraints that capital alone cannot solve: the last mile of grid connection, and the consent of the communities that power lines run through. That shift became clear this month when NextDC, one of the country's largest data center operators, cut its fiscal 2027 revenue forecast and reduced capital spending after a power connection delay at its Melbourne M3 facility, a project that already had a hyperscale customer under contract.
This week's coverage highlights shifting technology supply chains and rising demand across foldable smartphones, memory, energy storage, robotics, and AI infrastructure. Apple lifted its iPhone Duo shipment target after strong preorders, while memory makers faced conflicting forecasts over Chinese capacity and sustained AI demand. Taiwan advanced industrial microgrids and saw its first semiconductor strike, as Texas Instruments reported tightening analog supply. Chinese energy storage suppliers reportedly retreated from the US amid reciprocal technology and ownership restrictions.
Japan plans to provide about JPY100 billion (US$634.1 million) over four years to support mass production of next-generation perovskite solar cells, seeking to establish a domestic manufacturing base before China further widens its lead in the emerging technology, according to Nikkei Asia.
AI server power architectures are evolving toward high-voltage distribution and point-of-load voltage conversion, according to DIGITIMES Intelligence.
Mitsubishi Electric has announced plans to carve out its distribution panel components business for factories and commercial buildings into a joint venture (JV) with Swiss power and automation giant ABB. Mitsubishi Electric will spin off the division and transfer a 51% stake to ABB. Moving forward, the Japanese conglomerate will focus on data center infrastructure and high-voltage grid applications positioned further upstream in power transmission and distribution.
Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC) held an inauguration ceremony for its 9MW/54MWh large-scale microgrid system at its Shuinan facility in Taichung on October 22, marking the official commissioning of what the company describes as Taiwan's largest industrial behind-the-meter energy storage microgrid.
CleanMax's partnerships with Apple, Meta, and other technology companies highlight how artificial intelligence (AI) data centers are intensifying global demand for renewable power.
Taiwan and the UK deepened cooperation on offshore wind, carbon capture, and energy security at two bilateral meetings held recently in Taipei. The 21st Taiwan-UK Renewable Energy Exchange Conference brought together about 80 government, industry, and research representatives to discuss energy policy, technical practices, and collaboration on low-carbon technologies. The eighth Taiwan-UK Energy Dialogue Conference followed that afternoon.