The immersion cooling market for cooling overheated electronic devices is gaining attention. (Image courtesy of SKT)
SEOUL, Jun. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – As the era of artificial intelligence (AI) intensifies the demand on data centers, the immersion cooling market for cooling overheated electronic devices is gaining attention.
Immersion cooling fluids are non-conductive lubricants traditionally used by oil refiners, who are now rushing into this emerging business en masse.
According to industry analysts, SK Enmove, the first domestic lubricant maker, is leading the charge into immersion cooling with major investments and development underway.
In 2022, SK Enmove entered the market through a $25 million equity investment in the American immersion cooling firm GRC. It then successfully validated the technology over four months by test-operating SK Telecom’s equipment using SK’s cooling fluid and GRC’s systems.
The trial confirmed a 37% reduction in total power usage compared to air cooling, cutting cooling power by 93% and server power over 10%. The verified immersion cooling system is expected to be installed at SK Telecom’s AI data center in Incheon this year.
Beyond tank immersion cooling, SK Enmove developed precision liquid cooling fluids in February, continuing diverse product development.
GS Caltex launched its Kixx Immersion Fluid S in November to enter the thermal management market. Through validations with partners, the company confirmed the product’s stable server operation and cooling performance for data centers.
GS Caltex is also collaborating with electric vehicle and battery firms to develop specialized immersion cooling products. A GS Caltex official said, “To secure early competitiveness, we’re developing customized immersion cooling tech for EVs, energy storage systems, and other applications.”
S-Oil formalized its immersion cooling business entry during its Q1 earnings call, citing the market’s explosive growth prospects from data centers and energy storage. Leveraging its lubricant facilities and scale, S-Oil sees active business opportunities.
The company’s newly established lubricant R&D team at its Magok Technology Center is spearheading various immersion cooling research. S-Oil has readied diverse prototypes to meet data center needs and entered validation stages.
Among the big four refiners, Hyundai Oilbank is also considering joining the immersion cooling business as a future growth engine, analyzing prospects from all angles.
According to Future Market Insights, the global immersion cooling market is projected to surge from $330 million in 2022 to $2.1 billion by 2032, growing 21.5% annually.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
