# LG Electronics, SK Enmove team up on AI data center cooling > Source: > Published: 2026-09-23 01:04:37+00:00 LG Electronics and SK Enmove have agreed to jointly develop next-generation cooling materials and technologies for artificial intelligence data centers and other high-heat applications, the companies said Wednesday. Under the agreement, the two will collaborate on low-emission refrigerants, compressor lubricants and immersion cooling systems for residential, commercial and industrial equipment. The partnership combines LG’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems expertise with SK Enmove’s capabilities in refrigerants and lubricant development. LG said they aim to strengthen their position as demand grows for more energy-efficient thermal management in AI infrastructure and other industries. LG and SK Enmove plan to develop refrigerants with a global warming potential below 150 that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The materials are intended to comply with tightening environmental rules in Europe, North America and other markets while maintaining safety and cooling performance. SK Enmove will develop and evaluate refrigerant candidates, while LG will test their suitability for commercial HVAC products and systems. The companies will also develop compressor lubricants optimized for the new refrigerants. Such oils reduce friction and wear in compressors, helping improve system reliability, efficiency and cost competitiveness. The agreement expands an existing partnership on immersion cooling, which places servers and other heat-generating equipment directly in electrically non-conductive fluid. The technology is gaining traction in AI data centers because it can remove heat more efficiently than conventional air cooling and reduce power consumption. LG and SK Enmove have been working with US-based Green Revolution Cooling on technology trials and commercialization opportunities. They will now assess whether immersion cooling can also be deployed in energy-storage systems, electric-vehicle components and other high-heat electrical equipment. “Thermal management is a critical factor determining energy efficiency and product performance,” SK Enmove Chief Executive Officer Kim Wone-kee said. Lee Jae-sung, head of LG Electronics’ Eco Solution business, said the partnership would help the companies strengthen their next-generation thermal-management offerings and pursue new opportunities in global markets. herim@heraldcorp.com