Chemours' Opteon™ Fluid Gaining Strategic Traction with Samsung: A Catalyst for Liquid Cooling Market Takeoff

The global data center industry is undergoing a seismic shift. As artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and next-generation chips drive exponential growth in computational demand, traditional air-cooling systems are proving inadequate. The result? A surge in demand for liquid cooling solutions that can manage the intense heat generated by densely packed server racks while slashing energy consumption and environmental impact. At the forefront of this transformation is Chemours, whose Opteon™ two-phase immersion cooling fluid has recently secured a landmark partnership with Samsung Electronics—a development that could catalyze the liquid cooling market's next phase of growth.

Samsung's Rigorous Validation: A Milestone for Liquid Cooling

Samsung's qualification of Chemours' Opteon™ fluid for use with its current-generation SSDs is no small feat. The South Korean tech giant, a leader in semiconductors and data center infrastructure, subjected the fluid to a battery of tests based on Open Compute Project (OCP) guidelines—a benchmark for reliability in the industry. The results were staggering: the fluid met all compatibility targets, with no degradation observed in the system. This makes Opteon™ the first two-phase immersion cooling technology to pass Samsung's high-reliability standards.

The implications are profound. Samsung's endorsement not only validates the technical superiority of Opteon™ but also signals a shift in industry norms. As Sungki Lee, Samsung's Project Leader of SSD HW Reliability Engineering, noted, finding a cooling solution that balances performance, compatibility, and energy efficiency is a “complex and critical” challenge. Opteon™'s success in this arena positions Chemours as a first-mover in a sector poised for explosive growth.

Technical Advantages: Efficiency, Scalability, and Sustainability

Opteon™'s two-phase immersion cooling technology operates by immersing IT hardware in a non-conductive dielectric fluid. As components heat up, the fluid boils and condenses, passively removing heat in a cycle that outperforms traditional cooling methods by orders of magnitude. Key benefits include:
- 90% reduction in cooling energy use compared to air cooling.
- 40% lower total cost of ownership (TCO) for data centers.
- Near elimination of water use, aligning with global sustainability goals.
- 60% smaller physical footprint, enabling higher computing density per square foot.

These metrics are not just impressive—they are essential for data centers grappling with the thermal loads of AI and HPC workloads. With Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) approaching 1.0, Opteon™-enabled facilities are setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency.

Market Dynamics: A $17.77 Billion Opportunity by 2030

The liquid cooling market is on a trajectory to grow from $5.38 billion in 2024 to $17.77 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.6%. This surge is driven by three factors:
1. AI and HPC adoption: These applications require high-density computing, which generates heat that air cooling cannot manage.
2. Regulatory pressure: Stricter environmental regulations, particularly in Europe and North America, are pushing data centers to adopt greener solutions.
3. Cost efficiency: Liquid cooling reduces both energy and water consumption, directly addressing operational pain points.

Chemours is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this growth. Its Opteon™ portfolio, with an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of 10 (compared to 1,430 for traditional HFCs), aligns with global decarbonization goals. The company's recent partnership with Navin Fluorine International to manufacture Opteon™ fluid in 2026 further underscores its commitment to scaling production to meet demand.

Strategic Partnerships and Commercialization Momentum

Beyond Samsung, Chemours has forged alliances with key players in the digital infrastructure space. A collaboration with DataVolt, a sustainable data center operator, is advancing two-phase direct-to-chip and immersion cooling solutions. Meanwhile, trials with NTT DATA and Hibiya Engineering are validating Opteon™'s scalability for hyperscale deployments. These partnerships are not just strategic—they are proof of the fluid's readiness for commercialization.

The company's “Pathway to Thrive” strategy, which includes expanding its Liquid Cooling Venture and leveraging industry events like the Open Compute Project Global Summit, reinforces its market leadership. With Nathan Blom, a seasoned expert in thermal management, now leading the liquid cooling portfolio, Chemours is poised to execute its vision with precision.

Investment Thesis: A High-Conviction Play

For investors, the case for Chemours is compelling. The company's first-mover advantage, combined with its technical and commercial execution, positions it to capture a significant share of a market expected to grow at a 21.6% CAGR. Key catalysts include:
- Samsung's expansion: Testing with next-gen SSDs and logic devices will drive further adoption.
- Regulatory tailwinds: Opteon™'s environmental benefits align with EU Green Deal and U.S. sustainability initiatives.
- Scalability: Manufacturing partnerships and product trials are accelerating time-to-market.

Financially, Chemours has demonstrated resilience, with Opteon™ sales growing 14% in 2024 and adjusted EBITDA projected to reach $825–$950 million in 2025. The company's focus on reducing TCO and enhancing PUE for data centers makes it an attractive long-term investment, particularly as AI-driven demand intensifies.

Conclusion: A Catalyst for the Future of Cooling

The partnership between Chemours and Samsung is more than a technical achievement—it is a harbinger of the liquid cooling revolution. As AI and HPC redefine the data center landscape, Opteon™'s ability to deliver energy efficiency, scalability, and sustainability will be critical. For investors seeking exposure to a high-conviction growth sector, Chemours offers a compelling blend of innovation, strategic execution, and market alignment. The time to act is now, as the liquid cooling market hurtles toward a $17.77 billion milestone—and Chemours is leading the charge.