Mr. Green's Efficiency Watch - Q3 2026

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Mr. Green's Efficiency Watch

The quarterly review of energy efficiency standards & regulations

August 2026

Mr. Green says…

This latest edition of Mr. Green’s Efficiency Watch begins with an update on efficiency regulations around the world. That’s followed by a look at how GaN technology is meeting the efficiency and power density demands of 800 VDC AI Data Centers. I then take a deep dive into what high-voltage GaN means for the future of power electronics.

We also cross the Pacific aboard a massive car carrier and learn how to keep EV batteries from depleting before the vehicles need to be driven off the ship. Finally, we hop onboard a train to examine how predictive maintenance in IGBT systems is improving reliability across railways, power grids, and large renewable installations.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, or would like me to report on a specific regulation, please feel free to contact me through our web form.

In this issue:

Global momentum around energy efficiency continues to build. For the power electronics industry, this shift carries significant implications. More ambitious regulations, data center–driven growth in electricity demand, and the rapid electrification of transport are reshaping expectations for power conversion, motor control, and overall system efficiency. This blog offers a global snapshot of where things stand today—and what it means for designers and OEMs in the years ahead.
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The rapid adoption of generative AI is driving a sharp rise in rack-level power demand, climbing from tens of kilowatts to well over 100 kW, with megawatt-class racks on the horizon. To support this shift, the industry is converging on 800 VDC architectures for next-generation AI data centers. As part of the NVIDIA MGX ecosystem, Power Integrations is leveraging its 1250 V and 1700 V PowiGaN technology to deliver the high efficiency and power density required by AI data centers.
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Speaking of 1250 V and 1700 V PowiGaN, gallium nitride is no longer confined to low-power niches— with Power Integrations’ technical breakthroughs on high-voltage GaN devices, GaN is now well positioned to compete with MOSFETs and even SiC from tens of watts into the kilowatt range. High efficiency, high power density and low system cost realized by PowiGaN technology are reshaping how many power systems are designed and optimized.
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Global expansion in the EV industry is driving a rapid increase in transoceanic vehicle shipping, with manufacturers deploying massive roll on/roll off carriers to move thousands of vehicles worldwide. These long voyages expose a challenge for EVs: keeping low voltage systems powered without draining the battery. This blog explores how a highly efficient DC DC solution can keep EVs “alive” before they need to be driven off the ship.
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Predictive maintenance is becoming essential in high value IGBT based systems such as rail traction, power grids, and large renewable installations, where avoiding unplanned downtime is critical. By using real time operational data rather than fixed service intervals, operators can reduce maintenance costs, extend equipment life, and improve availability. This blog highlights how integrated sensing and telemetry in modern gate drivers enable data driven maintenance strategies that improve reliability and long term system performance.
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