LG leads eco-friendly shift in AI data center cooling during global water crisis
With artificial intelligence accelerating demand for high-powered digital infrastructure, the construction of data centers is soaring — and so are concerns over how to cool them efficiently. AI-driven facilities push servers to their thermal limits, and traditional methods of cooling can no longer keep up with environmental realities. In response, LG is reimagining what it means to manage heat in the AI era.
Unlike conventional setups that rely heavily on cooling towers — notorious for high water usage — LG’s latest solutions target the dual challenges of energy consumption and water scarcity. As highlighted by the World Resources Institute, the planet is facing a mounting water crisis, with 25 countries already under extreme stress, and half the world’s population could be affected by 2050. In this context, LG’s innovations arrive at a critical time.
At the 2025 Data Center World expo in Washington, D.C., LG introduced a suite of next-generation cooling systems built for AI-intensive operations. By combining engineering precision with sustainability goals, LG’s approach reflects a growing industry imperative: performance cannot come at the planet’s expense.
A standout in LG’s new portfolio is its air-cooled chiller (ACC), designed to operate without the heavy water draw required by traditional cooling towers. Available in inverter screw and oil-free centrifugal types, the system features low-GWP refrigerants and includes a “free-cooling” mode that uses ambient conditions to reduce energy demand when possible.
Complementing the ACC is LG’s direct-to-chip (D2C) solution — a targeted thermal system that connects directly to server processors. At the core of this is the Cold Plate, a compact module that circulates liquid coolant across chip surfaces, pulling heat into a closed loop managed by a Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU). This CDU is equipped with AI-driven virtual sensors, providing continuous monitoring and redundancy while maintaining a small footprint for easier deployment.
To ensure these technologies are ready for real-world deployment, LG also launched the AI Data Center HVAC Solution Lab, where engineers run full simulations of live server environments. This facility allows rapid testing and fine-tuning, ensuring LG’s products can keep pace with the fast-changing demands of modern AI infrastructure.
The shift toward more sustainable cooling isn’t just an LG strategy — it’s a necessity for any tech company looking to build responsibly. But with its broad HVAC expertise and a clear focus on innovation, LG is positioning itself at the forefront of that movement. From lower emissions to smarter resource use, the company’s latest offerings promise a more efficient path forward for the world’s AI-powered future.
