**LG Electronics Collaborates with SK Innovation to Expand High-Efficiency HVAC Solutions for AI Data Centers**
LG Electronics, in partnership with SK Innovation, is set to enhance the supply of high-efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) solutions aimed at reducing power consumption and heat in rapidly growing AI data centers. On September 17th, both companies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at SK Seorin Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to jointly develop and commercialize integrated energy and cooling solutions for AI data centers.
The MOU was attended by Jae-Seong Lee, Vice President and head of the ES division at LG Electronics, and Mu-Hwan Kim, Head of the Energy Solutions Division at SK Innovation. This collaboration aims to position the companies as turnkey solution providers offering comprehensive data center solutions.
LG Electronics plans to supply air and liquid cooling solutions, including chillers and Fan Wall Units (FWU) as well as Coolant Distribution Units (CDU), to demonstrate and advance cooling technology, thus aiming to lower temperatures in AI data centers.
SK Innovation will focus on optimizing power supply and operations, providing solutions such as AI-based Data Center Management Systems (DCMS), auxiliary power designs utilizing energy storage systems (ESS) and fuel cells, and peak power reduction solutions.
Together, the companies aim to develop next-generation solutions that automatically control cooling systems through stable power supply and real-time energy analysis powered by AI. Additionally, they plan to collaborate on Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) models, leveraging waste heat and ESS to manage power peaks, with the intent of expanding their cooling and energy solution services globally. The partnership will explore using fuel cells as a power source and waste heat to cool AI data centers, contributing to carbon emission and energy usage reduction.
Mu-Hwan Kim emphasized the strategic cooperation to lead the energy industry forward in the AI era by integrating optimized technologies from both firms. Meanwhile, Jae-Seong Lee highlighted the synergy from this agreement to strengthen their competitive edge in the global AI data center market.