On June 18, AI semiconductor startup Rebellions and energy storage system (ESS) specialist Standard Energy announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop and commercialize energy solutions tailored for AI data centers.

The two companies plan to introduce a next-generation power model for AI data centers by combining Rebellions’ high-efficiency, low-power AI chips with Standard Energy’s Vanadium Ion Battery (VIB)-based ESS, which offers high output without the risk of combustion. The system integrates Rebellions’ NPU AI server rack powered by the “ATOM” chip with Standard Energy’s VIB ESS, connected to the power grid. The companies have been validating the system’s technology, stability, and safety.

AI data centers require uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems to prepare for outages. The VIB ESS has demonstrated its ability to supply power within 0.003 seconds (3ms). Unlike conventional batteries, which pose fire hazards and limit expansion, the VIB ESS uses a water-based electrolyte, eliminating fire risks and enabling safe installation in indoor, urban, and high-risk environments. By combining Rebellions’ low-power AI semiconductors with VIB ESS, the solution is expected to reduce peak power consumption in AI infrastructure and optimize operations based on time-of-use electricity pricing, leading to lower electricity costs.

The two companies also plan to conduct domestic and international pilot projects and establish standards for power systems. They aim to launch a joint brand for the AI power infrastructure solution and expand into global AI projects through technical and human resource collaboration.

Bu-Gi Kim, CEO of Standard Energy, stated, “Despite the rapid advancement of AI technology, the AI era has not fully arrived because we have yet to solve the challenge of supplying sufficient and stable eco-friendly energy to AI industry in a climate crisis. This partnership presents an innovative solution to a fundamental issue in the global AI industry through collaboration between Korean startups deeply committed to energy conservation.”

Sunghyun Park, CEO of Rebellions, added, “Power efficiency is the most critical issue in the global AI power infrastructure sector. Strengthening national competitiveness in AI power infrastructure is a key task for sovereign AI, and we will work with Standard Energy to secure a sustainable and efficient AI data center power model.”