To supply power to the Technology Center Laufenburg, FlexBase is building an industrial grid with a connection to Switzerland's highest grid level, comparable to the electricity highway. The grid is used for the fine distribution and conversion of electrical energy to lower voltages, to which the individual battery storage units and data center consumers are connected.
The AI data center in particular has high requirements for power supply availability. This also balances out peak loads. To meet these requirements, the industrial network is designed so that there is no interruption in supply in the event of a failure or planned maintenance of individual components.
For example, critical data center consumers are connected via at least two supply cables, each of which can transmit the full power individually. The supply cables are spatially separated from each other and run consistently in two separate fire compartments within the building.
The industrial network of the Technology Center Laufenburg is designed so that large amounts of energy can be provided safely, reliably and as needed. The energy is taken from the higher-level extra-high voltage grid and brought to the respective required voltage levels in several technically graduated transformation and distribution stages. The multi-stage structure ensures a high security of supply, operational continuity and flexibility.
The connection to the national transmission grid (Swissgrid) is at the extra-high voltage level of 380 kilovolts (kV).
In a first step, this voltage is reduced to 110 kV using six transformers. The feed-in then takes place in three separate 110 kV switchgear systems. This division increases supply security and ensures reliable operation.
A total of 24 additional transformers are connected to the 110 kV switchgear, which transform the voltage to 22 kV.
At the 22 kV level, electrical energy is distributed via numerous cables to the Technology Center Laufenburg. There, it is further distributed to the battery storage systems and connected consumers, such as the data center infrastructure.
The power supply at the Technology Center Laufenburg is designed for maximum performance, redundancy, and future viability. The following key figures illustrate the scale of this infrastructure.
In order to control the power flows in the FlexBase industrial network, there is a higher-level «Energy Management System» (EMS) that monitors the power flows in the industrial network at all times. If necessary, control commands are sent to subordinate systems, such as the control system of the battery units, thereby influencing the power flows.
A pioneering redox flow battery storage facility is being built at the Technology Center Laufenburg, offering impressive sustainable, safe and fully recyclable technology. It supports the integration of renewable energies by storing surplus electricity and releasing it again when needed. This stabilizes the grid, reduces the risk of outages and strengthens the security of supply in Switzerland and Europe.
The AI data center combines cutting-edge technology with the highest security standards and guarantees a future-proof, scalable solution for hyperscalers. The FlexBase “Sovereign AI Factory” sets new standards in terms of performance, security, sustainability and future-proofing.
The construction of the new technology center will create a modern campus for energy and innovation in Laufenburg. Covering an area of 40,000 m², the campus will combine battery storage, an AI data center, office space and laboratories. Sustainable construction, the highest safety standards and energy-efficient infrastructure make the site a showcase project for European technology development.
The waste heat from our AI data center at the Technology Center Laufenburg (TCL) can power not only Laufenburg but an entire regional ecosystem. Our heat extends for several kilometers and can transform fossil-fuel-fired power plants into backup systems. For us, sustainability isn’t just a concept — it’s actively planned and implemented.
To supply power to the Technology Center Laufenburg, FlexBase is building an industrial grid with a connection to Switzerland's highest grid level, comparable to the electricity highway. The grid is used for the fine distribution and conversion of electrical energy to lower voltages, to which the individual battery storage units and data center consumers are connected.
In a world that is increasingly relying on renewable energies, efficient and sustainable battery storage solutions play a key role. Our research and development department is working on innovative technologies that are driving the energy transition forward.
