Shell and Intel have unveiled a major advancement in sustainable data infrastructure with the launch of Shell’s certified immersion cooling fluids, designed to significantly reduce energy use and operational costs in data centers. This innovation comes after two years of collaboration and rigorous testing between the two companies.

Jason Wong, Global Executive Vice President of Shell Lubricants, said: “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%¹. We have been working with Intel to certify our immersion cooling fluids, which have the potential to transform the way data centers are cooled and how much energy they use.”

Immersion cooling technology involves submerging servers and networking equipment in an electrically non-conductive liquid. This specialized fluid absorbs and dissipates heat from IT hardware and eliminates the need for fans, chillers, and evaporative cooling systems, and can reduce the physical footprint of data centers by up to 80%.

Karin Eibschitz Segal, Corporate Vice President and Interim General Manager of Intel’s Data Center Group, said: “We’re pleased to be partnering with Shell in accelerating the adoption of more sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for data centers. Through these advancements, we’re paving the way for the next generation of high-performance, environmentally conscious computing.”

The development aligns with projections from the International Energy Agency, which states that data centers currently account for 1.5% of global electricity consumption—a figure expected to more than double from 415 terawatt hours (TWh) in 2024 to approximately 945 TWh by 2030. This surge is largely driven by the expanding demands of artificial intelligence.

Traditional cooling systems typically account for 30–40% of a data center’s total energy consumption. Shell’s immersion fluids offer a retrofit solution for existing facilities while enabling greater space optimization and sustainability for new ones.

Shell’s immersion cooling fluids are the first to be recognized as Intel® Data Center Certified for Immersion Cooling, confirming their compatibility with 4th and 5th Gen Intel® Xeon® processors. Facilities using these fluids are also eligible for Intel’s Immersion Warranty Rider. These single-phase fluids, developed in Shell laboratories, are already in use at Shell’s own data centers in Houston and Amsterdam and perform effectively even in high-heat environments of up to 45 °C.

Building on nearly 50 years of expertise in gas-to-liquids (GTL) technology, Shell has formulated immersion cooling fluids that integrate high-performance ester-based solutions. The fluids are PFAS-free, biodegradable to varying degrees, and are available globally—enabling significant reductions in both energy and water consumption. The products are part of Shell’s broader commitment to developing premium, high-value solutions for electric vehicles, battery storage, and data infrastructure, all while helping customers meet emissions reduction goals.

This strategic product launch reflects Shell’s ambition to lead in the global lubricants sector by driving innovation in sustainability and digital infrastructure.

For more information, visit www.shell.com/immersion or the Intel Newsroom.