Schneider Electric powers data centre shift for AI energy surge

In Nigeria, where digital adoption is accelerating, the rising demand for AI-powered services is placing unprecedented pressure on data centres to evolve rapidly.

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, is at the forefront of helping Nigerian data centres navigate this transformation. The company is advocating for next-generation infrastructure strategies to keep pace with the digital surge, which is reshaping how data is stored, processed, and delivered.

“As data centres across Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa research, plan and implement change amid an evolving tech landscape, several options represent viable alternatives. These include optimizing data centre design and infrastructure to power efficiency, cooling, management systems, and beyond,” said Ajibola Akindele, Country President, Schneider Electric.

The AI Era’s Energy Challenge

AI-driven applications—from chatbots to generative media—consume significantly more power than traditional digital tools. According to the Electric Power Research Institute, a single AI query can use up to ten times the electricity of a standard internet search. With over 154 million internet users in Nigeria, the cumulative energy toll is enormous and rising fast. Globally, AI-related computing demands are projected to increase energy usage by as much as 36% annually.

This presents a critical challenge for Nigerian data centres already contending with infrastructure limitations and power reliability issues. But it also opens up opportunities for innovation.

Reinventing Infrastructure for a Smarter Future

To address these energy and performance challenges, Schneider Electric is working with Nigerian operators to overhaul legacy systems. This includes smarter rack configurations designed to support high-density AI workloads in smaller footprints, enabling scalability without excessive capital expenditure.

Another key area of innovation is cooling technology. As AI hardware generates greater heat loads, traditional air-cooling systems are proving inadequate. In response, Schneider Electric is promoting liquid and hybrid cooling solutions, which offer greater thermal management and equipment longevity, critical in Nigeria’s hot, humid climate.

Data centres are also revamping airflow management with advanced containment strategies that prevent overheating, reduce energy waste, and lower costs. These design enhancements are vital in a country where high electricity tariffs and grid instability are persistent concerns.

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Powering AI Responsibly

Power distribution is another pressing issue. AI workloads require robust, flexible power systems. Schneider Electric supports Nigerian data centres in deploying smart power distribution units (PDUs) and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) that can dynamically allocate power and ensure uninterrupted operations. The company is also encouraging collaborations with renewable energy providers and local utilities to improve grid resilience and integrate cleaner energy sources.

Sustainability and Smart Operations

Looking ahead, Schneider Electric sees AI not just as a demand driver—but as part of the solution. The company’s AI-powered analytics tools help operators predict equipment failures, optimize cooling, and streamline operations. These intelligent systems are already in use across parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and are being tailored for Nigeria’s specific needs.

Schneider is also introducing waste heat recovery models, an emerging trend that allows data centres to repurpose excess heat for nearby buildings or agricultural applications—a potentially transformative solution for urban hubs and industrial zones.

Leading the digital transition

With the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy, the role of data centres is more important than ever. Schneider Electric’s holistic approach—combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable practices, and regional expertise, is helping the country rise to the challenges of the AI era.

As Nigeria’s tech ecosystem matures, Schneider Electric is positioning its partners not just to keep up—but to lead Africa’s digital transformation with infrastructure that’s smart, scalable, and future-ready.