Chemours Launches Trial to Revolutionize Data Center Cooling

In a groundbreaking move, The Chemours Company has announced the launch of a full-scale product trial in collaboration with NTT DATA and Hibiya Engineering, Ltd. The trial focuses on data center two-phase immersion cooling, utilizing Chemours' advanced dielectric fluid, Opteon™ 2P50. This initiative aims to address the escalating energy and cooling demands of modern data centers, driven by the rise of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI).



The growing energy consumption of data centers is a pressing concern. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), data centers consumed about 460 TWh in 2022, accounting for approximately 2% of the world’s energy consumption. This figure is projected to reach 1,000 TWh by 2026, largely due to the increased use of AI and cryptocurrency sectors. The environmental impact of data centers is significant, and there is an urgent need for more sustainable cooling solutions.

Opteon™ 2P50, Chemours’ developmental dielectric thermal management fluid, offers a promising solution. With an ultra-low global warming potential of 10 (AR6), this fluid outperforms traditional and single-phase cooling technologies. It can eliminate up to 90% of data center cooling energy, 40% of overall data center energy consumption, and nearly eliminate water use in most climates. Additionally, it significantly decreases interior noise pollution and reduces the physical data center footprint by up to 60%. These benefits align with global sustainability goals, such as the 2015 Paris climate agreement, which aims to cut emissions by 45% between 2020–2050 through energy efficiency measures.

The collaboration between Chemours, NTT DATA, and Hibiya Engineering involves a wide range of industry participants, including data center operators, equipment manufacturers, engineering design firms, IT vendors, and research institutions. This broad industry collaboration ensures that the trial addresses key value chain questions and supports safe construction and operation, providing more sustainable IT services and ultimately accelerating the adoption of innovative technologies.



The implications for the future of data center design and operation are substantial. Data centers are increasingly becoming pivotal due to the surge in global demand for information and communication technology services. The shift away from small-scale data centers toward larger and more energy-efficient cloud-service-based data centers is already underway, with recent data centers reporting lower power usage effectiveness values resulting from more energy-efficient cooling and power-supply efficiencies. The adoption of Opteon™ 2P50 can further enhance these efficiencies, making data centers more sustainable and cost-effective. This aligns with the Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) and the Better Buildings Challenge, which encourage agencies and organizations to improve data center energy efficiency.

In summary, Chemours' collaboration with NTT DATA and Hibiya Engineering represents a significant step forward in addressing the energy and cooling challenges faced by data centers. The potential reduction in data center cooling energy use by up to 90% with Opteon™ 2P50 aligns closely with global sustainability goals and regulatory requirements. This initiative not only supports the climate targets but also ensures future information and communication technology sector growth, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient data center landscape.