Vertiv has been chosen by Polar as the primary supplier for its first modular AI-ready data centre in Norway. Powered entirely by hydroelectric energy, the Polar facility minimises its carbon footprint whilst accommodating high-density, liquid-cooled environments of up to 120kW per rack.
The first deployment phase of the project is set to go live in the second half of 2025, with further expansion already planned. The facility is the first in Polar’s portfolio of ambitious developments that will raise the standard of AI-ready data centers across Europe.
Operational agility
As part of this collaboration, Vertiv is designing, manufacturing, delivering, installing, and commissioning a fully equipped, scalable, AI-ready prefabricated modular (PFM) solution capable of supporting a 12 MW IT load, with the option to expand up to 50 MW. The solution includes Vertiv™ EXL S1, a highly efficient and grid-interactive uninterruptible power supply (UPS) able to support the variable power loads of AI and other HPC applications. It also features the compact Vertiv™ Liebert® AFC chiller with very low-GWP (global warming potential) refrigerant, designed to significantly reduce carbon emissions, and allowing up to 20% lower annual energy consumption compared to fixed screw systems.
As AI applications become increasingly resource-intensive, the demand for scalable and energy-efficient infrastructure is greater than ever. With Vertiv’s preconfigured power and cooling infrastructure, Polar’s new facility is set to meet these challenges, supporting a high-performance computing environment with operational agility that supports their sustainability business goals.
Modular approach
Viktor Petik, senior vice president, infrastructure solutions at Vertiv, commented: “This collaboration showcases the strength of Vertiv’s modular approach, providing Polar with a high-density, AI-ready infrastructure that combines rapid deployment with outstanding energy efficiency. By leveraging factory-assembled infrastructure, we overcome traditional on-site challenges and deliver a solution tailored to Polar’s evolving requirements.”
Andy Hayes, CEO at Polar, said: “We are excited to partner with Vertiv on this innovative project, which allows us to scale quickly and efficiently while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. The flexibility of Vertiv's solution enables us to easily expand to meet market demand, and helps us to support our clients with cutting-edge AI and HPC capabilities.”
