LG Electronics has unveiled a strategic roadmap to become a global HVAC leader by 2030, with a particular focus on AI data center cooling solutions. The company expects to more than triple its data center cooling orders in 2025 and is investing heavily in liquid cooling technologies, positioning itself to capitalize on the surge in demand for specialized thermal management as AI workloads generate unprecedented heat levels.
What you should know: LG is making a significant push into the AI-era HVAC market through both hardware and software solutions.
- The company established a dedicated AI data center HVAC solution lab at its Pyeongtaek chiller plant to simulate various AI server environments and test cooling technologies.
- LG is currently pilot testing liquid cooling technology in collaboration with LG Uplus, a Korean telecommunications carrier, to validate thermal management capabilities.
- The company plans to increase non-hardware revenue from 10% to 20%, including AI-powered building management platforms and digital twin systems for data centers.
The big picture: The explosive growth in AI computing is creating massive demand for specialized cooling solutions as data centers struggle to manage the heat generated by high-performance AI chips.
- LG’s portfolio includes liquid cooling systems using coolant distribution units that directly cool server chips, chiller-based air cooling systems, and HVAC solutions compatible with direct current power environments.
- The company is targeting both data center cooling and regionally tailored heating and cooling solutions to drive B2B revenue growth.
Key technologies in development: LG is advancing multiple cooling approaches to address different AI infrastructure needs.
- Direct-to-chip cooling systems flow coolant through plates attached directly to server components.
- Immersion cooling technology submerges servers in thermally conductive oil baths for maximum heat dissipation.
- The company’s Building Energy Control (BECON) platform uses AI to provide real-time energy analytics for integrated building management.
Strategic partnerships: LG is collaborating with multiple companies to accelerate its cooling technology development.
- The partnership with LG Uplus includes a liquid cooling demonstration room at the Pyeongchon 2 data center showcasing advanced cooling systems for high-heat, high-density AI server environments.
- Global cooling companies Vertiv and CoolIT Systems are involved in the initiative, along with Korean firms Global Standard Technology (GST).
What they’re saying: “HVAC demand is rising in tandem with the growing number of data centers being built worldwide,” said James Lee, president of LG Energy Solutions.
- “Leveraging decades of experience and core technological excellence, LG is committed to becoming a leading HVAC solution provider in the AI era.”
Why this matters: The AI boom is creating a critical infrastructure challenge as traditional cooling methods struggle to handle the thermal output of modern AI chips, creating a substantial market opportunity for companies that can deliver efficient, scalable cooling solutions.
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