Global initiative targets 5GW of AIDC in desert regions by 2030, unlocking a new model for clean, scalable AI growth.
PARIS, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At VivaTech 2026, Envision announced Mission Gobi, a global initiative to develop 5GW of green AI data center (AIDC) capacity in desert and arid regions by 2030. The initiative reflects Envision's vision for AI-native energy infrastructure and builds on the company's AI Power System capabilities already being deployed at scale.
Against the backdrop of Europe's energy transition, power security and rising electricity demand, Lei Zhang noted that the AI revolution is exposing a new structural bottleneck in energy systems.
"The traditional power system was not designed for the scale and speed of the AI era. Mission Gobi offers a new system-level approach — integrating renewable energy, storage, grid infrastructure and computing to deliver scalable, cost-competitive clean power. Building on our successful partnerships in Europe, we believe it can support Europe's AI growth, energy security and clean energy transition," Lei Zhang said.
"Importantly, Mission Gobi is designed as a replicable blueprint. Developing even 1% of global desert and Gobi regions could support terawatt-scale computing capacity at highly competitive cost, helping accelerate the deployment of AI infrastructure worldwide."
Envision has already begun deploying AI Power Systems at scale. In Chifeng, China, the company operates the world's first AI data center running entirely on direct green power. In Ulanqab, the Envision Galaxy Campus is being built as the world's only gigawatt-scale AIDC powered by directly connected renewable energy.
As nations seek to strengthen both AI leadership and energy security, Envision believes AInative power systems can unlock a new era of sustainable growth.
Through Mission Gobi, the company will work with governments, utilities, technology companies, infrastructure investors, and local partners worldwide to accelerate the deployment of clean, intelligent, flexible, and affordable power systems.
Mission Gobi is more than a project. It is a blueprint for powering the Age of Intelligence.
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As AI Strains the Grid, Envision Launches Mission Gobi at VivaTech 2026
As AI Strains the Grid, Envision Launches Mission Gobi at VivaTech 2026
The next generation of designers showcase purposeful and innovative solutions for the modern home.
MANILA, Philippines, June 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Standard, an industry leader in bathroom solutions and part of LIXIL, announced the Asia-Pacific (APAC) Grand Prize winner for the fourth edition of the American Standard Design Award (ASDA) 2026. The final round of the competition saw first-placed national winners from across the APAC region showcasing multigenerational bathroom designs with fresh perspectives that embodies the theme of 'Inspiring Everyday Living.'
The competition theme challenged future designers to thoughtfully rethink how residential bathrooms of the future can adapt to shifting everyday living needs. This focus on evolving everyday living inspired strong participation from emerging designers, attracting over 2000 registrants from six countries across the Asia-Pacific region. Entries were judged and advanced through national and regional competition rounds, by a panel of over 20 experts from the architecture, design and sanitary ware industry.
The ASDA Exhibition and Awarding Ceremony, held at the Ayala Museum in Manila, Philippines, brought together the APAC finalists and esteemed judges. As the major highlight, a dedicated exhibition of the winning entries gave guests the exclusive opportunity to view and explore the innovative concepts firsthand. The national winners were immersed in a holistic learning experience by participating in curated cultural heritage and architecture tours, networking with industry pioneers, and attending the exclusive ASDA MasterClass led by Cathy Saldana, Principal and Managing Director of PDP Architects, alongside other esteemed ASDA judges—all underscoring a shared commitment to mentorship and shaping the future of the design industry.
Patricia Danielle Malijan, an undergraduate design student from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Taft) in the Philippines, emerged as the ASDA 2026 APAC Grand Prize Winner with the exceptional entry titled "The Humble Home: Quiet Simplicity". Inspired by Filipino multi-generational family living, her project utilized thoughtful, intuitive zoning to allow simultaneous use and ease of movement for all age groups. The layout seamlessly integrates essential American Standard solutions—including the EasySet auto temperature mixer—to deliver an inclusive space centered around safety, fluid movement, and everyday ease."
Sharing her personal journey, Patricia Danielle Malijan stated, "I'm incredibly honored to win the ASDA 2026 APAC Grand Prize, with the incredible support of my ASDA mentors, family, and friends around me. I was inspired to design 'The Humble Home' with the American Standard range to create a space for the entire family, from young to old, to enjoy their bathroom me-time in dignity, safety, and convenience. The competition has been personally meaningful as the design process taught me to think out of the box, be persistent and adaptable, and articulate how design relates to real life."
Antoine Besseyre des Horts, Leader, LIXIL Global Design, Asia, commented, "The ASDA continues to impress the judging panel with the caliber and breadth of regional talent applying their perspectives, to inspire everyday living. We congratulate all the ASDA 2026 winners and finalists, who thoughtfully balanced macro trends like urbanization and well-being with real-life constraints. Their entries demonstrated how to address local customs and sensitivities while embracing inclusiveness to ensure a special sense of belonging for everyone in the household—concretely bringing our belief in life, love, and home to reality. We are proud to support an enriching experience for all ASDA winners and participants through four editions of the ASDA, and look forward to further elevating lifestyles through design."
The ASDA 2026 regional finalists and first-placed National Winners are:
- Patricia Danielle Malijan – APAC Grand Prize Winner & Philippines National Winner from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (Taft)
- Bounpaserth Mienglavanh – Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar (CLM) National Winner from National University of Laos
- Gabriel Procellia – Indonesia National Winner from Ciputra University
- Jinjuta Chomputsa – Thailand National Winner from Chulalongkorn University
- Nguyen Ngoc Chung – Vietnam National Winner from Hanoi University of Civil Engineering
Each national winner won a cash prize of USD 2,000, and were mentored by their national ASDA judges in their advance to the APAC regional final. The APAC Grand Prize winner was awarded a total cash prize of USD 5,000.
For more information about the ASDA competition and to view the groundbreaking winning designs, please visit the official website at https://asda.americanstandard-apac.com/winners-2026/.
About American Standard
American Standard is the industry leader in bathroom and kitchen products, providing an unmatched legacy of quality and innovation for more than 150 years. American Standard is passionate about improving daily living in ways big and small. From toilet seat innovations to best in class kitchen faucets, American Standard seeks to inspire people to create a home they will love every day. Learn more at americanstandard-apac.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
About LIXIL
LIXIL (TSE Code 5938) makes pioneering water and housing products that solve every day, real-life challenges, making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere. Drawing on our Japanese heritage, we create world-leading technology and innovate to make high quality products that transform homes. But the LIXIL difference is how we do this; through meaningful design, an entrepreneurial spirit, a dedication to improving accessibility for all and responsible business growth. Our approach comes to life through industry leading brands, including INAX, GROHE, American Standard and TOSTEM. Approximately 53,000 colleagues operating in more than 150 countries are proud to make products that touch the lives of more than a billion people every day. Learn more at www.lixil.com.
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American Standard Design Award 2026 Celebrates APAC Student Designers for 'Inspiring Everyday Living' in Multigenerational Bathrooms
American Standard Design Award 2026 Celebrates APAC Student Designers for 'Inspiring Everyday Living' in Multigenerational Bathrooms
American Standard Design Award 2026 Celebrates APAC Student Designers for 'Inspiring Everyday Living' in Multigenerational Bathrooms
American Standard Design Award 2026 Celebrates APAC Student Designers for 'Inspiring Everyday Living' in Multigenerational Bathrooms
American Standard Design Award 2026 Celebrates APAC Student Designers for 'Inspiring Everyday Living' in Multigenerational Bathrooms
