MOU covers refrigerant, compressor oil and immersion cooling technology

LG Electronics' HVAC expertise combined with SK Enmove's refrigerant capabilities

Companies to jointly develop and verify eco-friendly, high-performance refrigerants

Lee Jae-sung (right), president and head of LG Electronics' ES Business Division, and SK Enmove President Kim Won-gi pose for a photo Monday at a signing ceremony for a joint advanced development MOU on new refrigerants, compressor oils and immersion cooling technology for home appliances, commercial and industrial use. [LG Electronics]
Lee Jae-sung (right), president and head of LG Electronics' ES Business Division, and SK Enmove President Kim Won-gi pose for a photo Monday at a signing ceremony for a joint advanced development MOU on new refrigerants, compressor oils and immersion cooling technology for home appliances, commercial and industrial use. [LG Electronics]

LG Electronics signed an MOU with SK Enmove on Monday at SK Seorin Building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to jointly develop next-generation refrigerants, compressor oils and immersion cooling technology for home appliances, commercial and industrial applications, the company announced Wednesday.

The two companies plan to co-develop next-generation thermal management technology targeting AI data centers and other high-heat applications, with the aim of strengthening their competitiveness in the global heating, ventilation and air conditioning market.

Under the agreement, the companies will jointly develop next-generation refrigerants, which are central to the performance and efficiency of cooling systems. With regulations on the global warming potential of refrigerants tightening — particularly in Europe and North America — the two companies plan to conduct advanced development and performance verification of eco-friendly, high-performance refrigerants with a GWP below 150 and free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

SK Enmove will draw on its experience in refrigerant development and evaluation to identify new refrigerant candidates, while LG Electronics will leverage its expertise in HVAC products and system operations to assess real-world applicability.

The companies will also conduct joint research on compressor oils tailored to the characteristics of next-generation refrigerants. While refrigerants carry heat through a system, compressor oils serve as a critical material — much like engine oil in a vehicle — reducing friction between key components such as compressors in HVAC systems.

By securing new refrigerants and compressor oils, the two companies aim to improve product performance and efficiency while also strengthening cost competitiveness.

The partnership will also expand collaboration on immersion cooling technology for AI data centers. Immersion cooling works by submerging servers directly in a non-conductive fluid to dissipate heat, and is drawing attention as a next-generation cooling solution capable of improving power and cooling efficiency in AI data centers.

The companies plan to explore applying immersion cooling technology beyond AI data centers to other high-heat power and electronic devices, including ESS and electric vehicle components.

"Thermal management technology is a key factor that determines energy efficiency and product performance," SK Enmove President Kim Won-gi said. "Through our collaboration with LG Electronics, we will accelerate the development of next-generation refrigerants, compressor oils and immersion cooling technology, and expand commercialization opportunities across a range of industries."

Lee Jae-sung, president and head of LG Electronics' ES Business Division, said the company would "combine LG Electronics' differentiated HVAC and cooling technology with SK Enmove's refrigerant and compressor oil capabilities to strengthen our competitiveness in next-generation thermal management solutions and continue to identify new business opportunities in the global market."


joze@heraldcorp.com