Leveraging Shell’s proprietary immersion cooling fluid, the cooling solution is expected to improve data centre energy efficiency while reducing emissions and operating costs.

Keppel Ltd.’s Connectivity Division (Keppel) and Shell Singapore Pte. Ltd. (Shell) will be test bedding an advanced immersion cooling solution at one of Keppel’s operational data centre facilities to explore the feasibility of deploying such high efficiency systems in Keppel’s future data centres to support the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing.

Immersion liquid cooling involves completely submerging servers in non-conductive liquids, allowing for more efficient absorption and removal of heat from servers and is more efficient than using air, which is the conventional method.

The testbed will take the form of a pilot project, which is expected to be operational by May 2026 and will be deployed for 12 months. It will use Shell’s proprietary Gas‑to‑Liquids (GTL)–based immersion cooling fluid, installed in an operational server tank. Based on Shell’s technology benchmarks, compared with air cooling, the GTL technology can improve energy efficiency by up to 48%, boost computing performance by up to 40% and reduce capital and operating expenditure by up to 40%^[1].

Liquid cooling solutions have been identified in the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Green Data Centre Roadmap as a potential solution to enhance energy efficiency of data centres. This is especially important for tropical countries like Singapore, where traditional air-cooling methods consume higher levels of energy and water, compared to temperate countries.

Mr Wong Wai Meng, CEO, Data Centres of Keppel, said, “Keppel is committed to driving continuous improvement in the energy efficiency of our data centres and developing new state-of-the-art data centres that are future-ready and capable of handling denser server workloads.

“While our data centres are mostly designed for air cooling and non-immersion based liquid cooling operations, we expect the design adaptability of our data centres to also allow for the smooth deployment of this immersion cooling solution incorporating Shell’s GTL–based immersion cooling fluid, further bearing testament to our ability to meet the evolving needs of our customers for greener and more efficient digital infrastructure. With this testbed, we are also aligning with the national sustainability agenda, while building capability to support Keppel’s future AI data centres in Singapore and contribute to a greener digital future.”

Ms Aw Kah Peng, Chairman of Shell Companies in Singapore, said, “Data centres power the global digital economy, and Shell is enabling their growth with more performance and less emissions. We are pleased to deploy our immersion cooling solutions at Keppel’s data centre to demonstrate the capability of our GTL–based immersion cooling fluid, which gives operators the reliability, precision, and lower‑carbon pathways needed as AI demand increases. As Singapore builds its next generation of AI‑ready infrastructure, Shell is ready to help it scale faster, run cleaner, and unlock more value.”

Upon reaching operational success, Keppel and Shell will work together to promote the solution to industry partners to further improve the performance of the cooling fluids and overall data centre cooling systems.

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About Keppel

Keppel Ltd. (SGX:BN4) is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity. Keppel creates value for investors and stakeholders through its quality investment platforms and diverse asset portfolios, including private funds and listed real estate and business trusts.

^[1] These figures are based on the report “Global immersion cooling market in data centers – Growth, trends, forecast (2019–2024),” Mordor Intelligence (2019); test results from Asperitas (an immersion cooling system provider) using Shell’s immersion cooling fluid; and Shell’s internal evaluation. The benefits achieved will vary according to the actual site deployment.