Intel Corp. has approved Shell Plc’s method of using lubricant to cool servers more efficiently in data centers that are used for artificial intelligence.
The announcement was made on Tuesday after Intel tested the cooling method for two years.
This new approach can help AI data centers use less energy. According to the International Energy Agency, these centers are growing fast and could double their electricity use by 2030—using as much power as all of Japan does today.
Until now, most companies have used large fans to cool down AI data centers. These centers produce a lot of heat because they need to run at high power to handle AI tasks.
But as these fans become more powerful, they use almost as much electricity as computers. That’s a problem operators want to avoid, according to Intel Principal Engineer Samantha Yates.
“Upgrading existing air-cooling methods with immersion fluids can reduce data center energy use by up to 48%, as well as help reduce capital and operating expenditure by up to 33%,”
Global Executive Vice President of Shell Lubricants, Jason Wong, said in a written statement.
The immersion cooling fluids are ready to deploy, and Intel is “providing an immersion rider warranty on top of our standard warranty terms to say we believe in this so much that you will be successful,” Yates said. The companies said that Shell’s technology is the first to receive official certification by a major chip manufacturer.
Big oil companies are exploring new opportunities from the rise of AI data centers. Shell is using this chance to expand its cooling fluids based on its gas-to-liquids technology developed over many years for its lubricants business.
BP also sees potential in this area through its Castrol lubricants brand, which has been working on special fluids for immersion cooling. However, BP is reviewing this part of the business and may decide to sell it.
U.S. oil companies are also getting involved in the growing AI industry by helping to supply energy to data centers. Exxon Mobil is working to provide cleaner electricity by adding carbon-capture technology to large natural gas power plants, reducing emissions.
Chevron is partnering with major tech companies like Amazon and Meta to create energy solutions that fit their specific needs.
Read more- Global EV Sales Rise 29%, china and europe lead growth
