Cool the “Data Center Heat” Generated by the AI Boom! Opportunities and Risks in Cooling Technologies Facing Japanese Companies Going on the Offensive

Growing heat generation and operating costs at data centers supporting generative AI, persistently high electricity prices and water-resource issues are increasing the importance of cooling technology. The article explains the background to Hitachi's announcement of a new technology in response to these challenges and the significance of technology that improves cooling efficiency.

Hitachi's cold plate for GPU cooling incorporates U-shaped tunnel flow channels and places several thousand fine channels in parallel to prevent the cooling fluid from mixing. It is reportedly capable of reducing cooling power by 30% when heat recovered from GPUs is released into the outside air under ambient-air conditions. Hitachi's strength is said to lie in offering a solution that centrally manages cooling equipment and chillers, rather than limiting its business to component sales.

Furukawa Electric is also increasing its presence in the cooling market and has announced plans to invest approximately ¥55 billion in production capacity for liquid-cooling modules, which assume circulation of coolant inside servers, and air-cooled heat sinks. The investment comprises approximately ¥51 billion for liquid-cooling modules and approximately ¥4 billion for air-cooled heat sinks, with factory expansion expected in the Philippines, Thailand and China.

In response to Hitachi's moves, Furukawa Electric is looking ahead to next-generation AIDC demand and is reportedly targeting liquid-cooling module sales of at least ¥100 billion in fiscal 2027 and ¥400 billion in fiscal 2030, with a policy of strengthening component design and mass-production capabilities. The article says data-center cooling technology will become a focus of industrial competition alongside the AI boom.