LG to establish cooling technology center for AI data centers, named W50b
LG Electronics to Establish Groundbreaking HVAC Research Center in South Korea
LG Electronics is set to revolutionize the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry with the establishment of its new research and development center in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province. The center, spanning 13,200 square meters, will focus on developing air conditioners, heat pumps, chillers, and cooling solutions for data centers.
This innovative facility will be Korea's first research and development facility capable of conducting both extreme high and low temperature tests simultaneously. LG aims to leverage this cutting-edge technology to become a global top-tier HVAC company, strengthening its technology leadership and a locally integrated value chain.
The new center will secure reliable technologies and test performance under diverse environments, paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly HVAC solutions. LG is developing technologies to meet stricter environmental regulations, with a particular focus on thermal management systems in AI data centers as a new growth driver for its HVAC business.
LG Electronics plans to invest 50 billion won in this ambitious project, which will be built in collaboration with Changwon National University. The center, scheduled for completion in the first half of 2027, will serve as a hub for industry-academia collaboration and for tech research and education infrastructure in various fields.
To foster local tech talent, LG has signed an additional agreement with the South Gyeongsang provincial government and Changwon National University. The institutions involved alongside LG Electronics at the new center include local universities and government research institutes.
The LG Electronics HVAC Research Center will also expand the ecosystem of private-sector and academic cooperation. LG Vice President Lee Jae-sung, South Gyeongsang Province Governor Park Wan-su, and Changwon National University President Park Min-won were present at the signing ceremony.
In a statement, Lee emphasized LG's commitment to developing eco-friendly technologies. The company is advancing core HVAC technologies, including compressors, motors, pumps, heat exchangers, and inverters. LG also plans to relocate its HVAC Academy to the new research center to expand training infrastructure for domestic and global engineers.
With this new center, LG is poised to take a significant step forward in the global HVAC market, delivering innovative solutions that cater to the needs of data centers and contributing to a more sustainable future.
