Trade Policy & Compliance

【South Korea】GS Caltex Leads Commercialization of Immersion Cooling Fluids for AI Data Centers and EV Batteries

Nov 12, 2025Local score 6.8

Source image preserved for article context.

Editor's note

This piece flags a key sourcing signal: GS Caltex’s immersion fluid uses PAO, a material with dual-use in military and pharma, posing potential supply-chain constraints. Buyers should watch for OEM safety approvals, especially in battery applications, where regulatory hurdles may delay commercialization. The validation with Samsung adds credibility, but the battery market’s larger TAM hinges on automaker endorsements.

South Korean refiner GS Caltex is accelerating the commercialization of its immersion cooling fluids, targeting high-growth sectors such as AI data centers and electric vehicle batteries. The company has completed validation with Samsung Electronics and is testing with major battery makers, positioning itself in a market projected to grow from $1.6 billion in 2025 to $7.2 billion by 2034.

Market context

Immersion cooling involves submerging heat-generating electronic components in a non-conductive liquid, offering higher energy efficiency than traditional air cooling. This technology is particularly suited for AI servers and battery thermal management. GS Caltex has developed its own fluid, Kixx Immersion Fluid S, and is conducting field trials with key industry players.

Validation progress

GS Caltex has validated Kixx Immersion Fluid S with Samsung Electronics for AI SSD products. The fluid is also being tested at data centers operated by Samsung SDS and LG Uplus to confirm compatibility and stability. These trials are critical for building confidence among hyperscale data center operators.

Battery sector collaboration

시장조사기관들의 최근 분석에 따르면 액체냉각 솔루션 시장은 향후 수년간 급격히 성장할 전망이다. 글로벌마켓인사이츠는 글로벌 데이터센터 액침냉각 시장이 2025년 약 16억 달러 수준에서 2034년 약 72억 달러 규모로 확대될 것으로 내다봤다. [출처=GS칼텍스]

According to a source at a major domestic petrochemical company, GS Caltex is working with LG Energy Solution and other battery cell manufacturers to develop immersion cooling fluids for battery applications. The source noted that the battery market could be larger than the data center segment in terms of total addressable market.

What buyers should watch

Commercialization for battery applications may take longer due to stringent safety approvals from automakers. The source explained that development began 4–5 years ago, but final approval from OEMs is still pending because of direct human safety implications. Overseas buyers should monitor regulatory progress and OEM endorsements.

China sourcing context

GS Caltex's Kixx fluid uses poly-alpha-olefin (PAO), a material also found in military electronics coolants, pharmaceutical lubricants, and cosmetic ingredients. The fluid has a high flash point above 250°C, meeting data center safety requirements while minimizing environmental and health impacts. This positions it as a potential alternative for buyers seeking high-performance, low-toxicity immersion fluids.

Source: Read the original report | Published: November 12, 2025