New R&D center

Delta, a global provider of smart, sustainable solutions in power electronics, today announced the official opening of its new research and development center in Soest. With this investment, the company is expanding its innovation capabilities in the field of high-efficiency power supply solutions for AI and High-Performance Computing (HPC) data centers, as well as for electromobility—including 800 VDC server power supplies and 4-in-1 power systems for electric vehicles.

With the rapid increase in power density within AI infrastructures, the demands placed on testing procedures are rising significantly, necessitating expanded and highly specialized laboratory environments. The facility constructed at the Soest site—designed to meet the LEED Gold standard—comprises approximately 7,500 square meters of state-of-the-art laboratory space and 2,500 square meters of office space, providing room for up to 250 employees.

Dr. Peter Ide, Managing Director of Delta Energy Systems, states: “For decades, Soest has served as a central engine of innovation for Delta within the EMEA region, and this expansion underscores our commitment to further strengthening our local research and development capabilities in Europe. It enables closer collaboration with our customers as well as the accelerated development of advanced, sustainable solutions for data center and automotive applications. In the field of AI, our teams in Soest are making a vital contribution to the development of modern power supply solutions across the entire ‘Grid-to-Chip’ value chain.”

Delta currently employs around 450 people from 35 nations at its Soest site, which serves as a central center of excellence for high-efficiency power supply and charging solutions. The site plays a pivotal role in addressing the rapidly evolving and increasingly complex requirements of customers in the EMEA region—particularly in sectors demanding highly customized and scalable power supply solutions. Over the past few years, Delta has continuously expanded its workforce in Soest. Coupled with the increasing demands of modern research and development activities, this necessitated an expansion of the company's capacities. The new building will accommodate both existing teams and new hires; while the 250 workstations are primarily intended for the current workforce, they also allow for future growth.

Delta in Soest also maintains close partnerships with local and international universities—including institutions in Soest, Paderborn, Hanover, and Berlin, as well as the Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and Aalborg University in Denmark. Through these collaborations and regular participation in career fairs, Delta continuously recruits qualified young talent to support its expanding research and development activities.

"Our customers' demands are rising rapidly—both in terms of technology and regarding energy efficiency and scalability," adds Andreas Kostrzewa, Managing Director of Delta Energy Systems. "With this new development center, we are creating optimal conditions to accelerate the implementation of innovations and further enhance our global competitiveness."

The new research and development center meets the highest energy efficiency standards (EG 40) and is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification. The building features a photovoltaic system with an installed capacity of over one megawatt—generating more than 1 million kWh of solar electricity annually—as well as heat pumps, a battery storage system with 2.5 MW of power and 5 MWh of capacity, and intelligent energy management concepts.

A particular focus is placed on utilizing process heat generated during product testing to heat the building—an example of how technological development and sustainable building operations are seamlessly integrated. The site also features a DC fast-charging station, as well as over 60 AC charging points for employees. Furthermore, Delta promotes sustainable mobility through bicycle leasing programs and the use of public transportation. The combination of the existing concrete load-bearing structure and modern timber-hybrid construction unites resource conservation with industrial functionality. Architect BDA Peter Völse emphasizes: “This form of timber-hybrid construction is rare in an industrial setting and—together with the preservation of the existing structure—sends a strong signal for responsible, future-oriented building.”