Industry Groups Launch AI Data Center Framework Amid Rising Power Needs
Data Center Knowledge, Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
NEMA, ASHRAE, and PNNL released a unified framework to standardize AI data center power and cooling design.
NEMA, ASHRAE, and PNNL introduced the AI Data Center Energy Performance Framework to help developers and engineers manage power-intensive AI workloads.
The framework consolidates technical standards and best practices across electrical systems, cooling infrastructure, and facility operations. A key focus is transitioning from AC to DC power distribution, with higher voltages like 800 VDC offering efficiency gains but requiring standardized safety protocols.
By integrating thermal management, energy management, and electrical equipment expertise, it addresses fragmentation across standards bodies and covers the full data center lifecycle from site selection through commissioning, operations, and retrofitting.