Data Center World is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.

April 20-23, 2026
Walter E. Washington Convention CenterWashington, D.C.

2026 Event Schedule

WEDNESDAY KEYNOTE: Diamond Sponsor - Powering the Megawatt Era: The role of 800VDC in the Future of Data Center Energy

Jim Simonelli  (CTO and SVP Secure Power, Schneider Electric)
Location: Ballroom A/B - 3rd Floor
Date: Wednesday, April 22
Time: 8:30 am - 9:45 am
Pass Type: AFCOM Solution Provider, All Access Conference, Business Hall, Industry Conference, Standard Conference - Get your pass now!
Session Type: Keynote
Vault Recording: TBD
Schneider Electric

As data centers and high-performance computing environments scale to unprecedented levels, traditional power distribution architectures face critical limitations. This presentation explores the next frontier in energy delivery: the 1 MW rack and the evolution beyond sidecar designs through advanced 800 VDC strategies. We will examine how VDC optimizes efficiency, reduces losses, and supports the growing demands of AI workloads and hyperscale infrastructure.

Attendees will gain insights into design considerations, safety standards, and integration approaches that enable sustainable, high-density power distribution for future-ready facilities. Join us to understand why 800VDC is not just an alternative—it’s the foundation for powering the next generation of compute.

Key Takeaways:

  • High-voltage direct current (HVDC) architectures are essential for meeting the massive power demands of AI workloads and hyperscale data centers. Moving beyond traditional sidecar designs unlocks the ability to support 1 MW racks efficiently.
  • HVDC reduces conversion losses, improves energy efficiency, and minimizes infrastructure footprint—critical for sustainable, future-ready facilities.
  • Learn how optimized HVDC strategies lower operational costs while supporting green initiatives. Implementing HVDC at scale requires careful attention to design considerations, safety standards, and integration approaches.


These best practices ensure reliable, secure, and scalable power distribution for next-generation compute environments.