SKF takes energy and circularity solutions to COP31

Magnetic bearings target data centre cooling demand

SKF says its magnetic bearings operate without physical contact, reducing friction and mechanical wear. The company is presenting the technology as one way to improve the efficiency and reliability of cooling systems used by data centres.

The focus comes as demand for AI increases the energy requirements of computing infrastructure. Data centres need substantial energy for computing and cooling, according to SKF. Frederic Ponson, Director, Magnetic Mechatronics, said: "Meeting the growing demand for AI requires innovation not only in computing, but also in the infrastructure that supports it. More efficient cooling can play an important role in reducing the energy footprint of data centres as demand continues to grow," according to the company announcement.

SKF estimates that magnetic bearing-equipped chillers commissioned in 2030 could avoid 3.4 million tonnes of CO₂e over their lifetime. The estimate is based on lower electricity consumption and higher availability compared with traditional oil-lubricated bearing systems. SKF says the calculation uses scenarios from the International Energy Agency and its own business projection.

A wider focus on equipment life and materials

SKF's COP31 programme also covers ways to keep industrial equipment and materials in use for longer. The company will highlight SKF Insight bearings, which support condition monitoring and equipment reliability, as well as RecondOil, which helps industrial oil remain in use for longer.

Other showcased services and technologies include remanufacturing, which restores the useful life of bearings instead of replacing them with new products. SKF Infinium uses additive manufacturing to allow large bearings to be renewed rather than replaced.

SKF presents these offerings as part of a lower-carbon industrial economy in which efficiency, reliability and competitiveness can advance together. The company says its solutions are intended to help customers use less energy, extend industrial asset life, reduce waste and make better use of resources.

SKF calls for collaboration to scale industrial solutions

Susanne Larsson, SKF's CFO and CSO, said: "With more than 20% of global energy lost overcoming friction, our role in the transition is clear. We already have solutions that improve energy efficiency, resilience, circularity and uptime. The opportunity now is to bring these solutions to more customers and scale their impact," according to the announcement.

SKF is also joining the Energy Efficiency Movement, described by the company as a global network focused on increasing awareness and adoption of energy-efficiency solutions across industry. The collaboration reflects SKF's stated approach at COP31, combining technology, industrial knowledge and partnerships.

For industrial customers, the announcement links decarbonisation with practical operating goals, including lower energy use, longer equipment service life and improved availability. SKF's emissions estimate applies specifically to magnetic bearing-equipped chillers commissioned in 2030, while the other solutions address monitoring, oil use, remanufacturing and bearing renewal.