The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been expanding rapidly, with applications ranging from self-driving cars to weather prediction. One area that has gained significant attention is Generative AI, which has the ability to quickly generate high-quality text and graphics. According to forecasts by Tirias Research, the data center server infrastructure and operating costs associated with generative AI are expected to exceed $76 billion by 2028.
Generative AI not only holds promise for advancement, but it also brings about an increase in power requirements. Unlike traditional IT applications, generative AI relies heavily on GPUs for accelerated processing performance, leading to higher power consumption. This surge in power demand presents an opportunity for Eaton channel partners to increase sales of larger uninterruptible power systems (UPSs) specifically designed for edge AI applications.
As generative AI continues to evolve, the power infrastructure needed to support it will differ from what is currently in place. The shift towards higher power consumption, potentially reaching 20kW per rack or more, will necessitate the use of larger UPSs, power distribution units (PDUs), and other physical infrastructure solutions. Additionally, the expansion of power consumption will heighten the need for battery backup systems to address anticipated power outages.
However, widespread adoption of generative AI still seems to be at least two years away. Adoption is impeded by factors such as the need for technology democratization, security concerns, and the reduction of costs for enterprise customers. Future advancements, including the availability of AI-ready devices and the decreasing costs of AI on CPUs, may lead to a hybrid and distributed approach for generative AI infrastructure.
In the meantime, Eaton channel partners can expect to receive inquiries about power infrastructure requirements for generative AI. This presents an opportunity for partners to enhance their power practice and offer specialized skills in specifying infrastructure for high-power applications. Eaton, as a prominent player in the larger UPS space, is well-positioned to support channel partners by providing application engineering expertise and training. As UPSs in the 10-20 kW range become the norm, Eaton will continue to be a reliable partner for partners in this growing market.
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