The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency – Energy (ARPA-E) has been making significant strides in its COOLERCHIPS initiative, aiming to develop efficient cooling technologies that reduce total cooling energy expenditure to less than 5% of a typical data center’s IT load. Program director Peter de Bock has been at the forefront of this effort, providing updates on the progress of the program.
At the recent 2025 ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C., de Bock discussed the future of energy and how outlier energy ideas can be brought to life. He highlighted the impressive progress made by the teams involved in the COOLERCHIPS project, with some achieving less than 5% energy use for a rack exceeding 120 kW, even in challenging locations like Phoenix, AZ.
Several breakthroughs have emerged from the program, including the formation of startups like Novolinc, ThermalPixels, and Chipadd. Jetcool was acquired by Flex, and other teams have secured significant funding. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has shown interest in the portfolio, engaging with various teams and acknowledging their innovative solutions.
The teams are on track to showcase proof-of-concept implementations by the first half of 2026, with a focus on developing solutions that can effectively cool data center densities of 80 kW/m3 and greater. While different cooling approaches are being explored, system reliability, overall product concept, system engineering, and economics are expected to be key differentiators.
De Bock emphasized the importance of looking beyond just the chips in a data center ecosystem, highlighting the opportunities for the U.S. to lead in data center infrastructure innovation. Teams are working towards achieving low total cost of ownership (TCO) without compromising data center reliability and availability, with a focus on calculating TCO and internal rate of return (IRR) to ensure business viability.
Lowering the temperature difference between the chip and the data center cooling supply lines, known as lowering thermal resistance, allows operators to optimize chip efficiency and cooling energy consumption. This optimization can lead to more efficient chip operation and reduced cooling infrastructure energy usage.
Overall, the COOLERCHIPS program is paving the way for the U.S. to become a leader in data center cooling technology, with innovative solutions that address energy efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. As the teams continue to make progress and showcase their advancements, the future of data center cooling looks promising. In the world of AI data centers, the challenge lies in providing power and cooling to support the massive computational requirements of AI training and inferencing. With the demand for reliability ever-increasing, traditional UPS systems and diesel gensets fall short in meeting the needs of these complex systems.
COOLERCHIPS offers a groundbreaking solution to reduce the temperature difference on chips, allowing for more efficient operation. By implementing this technology, a 1 kW chip can now run at a much lower temperature, providing the option to overclock for increased performance or maintain a stable environment for optimal efficiency.
Looking ahead, the future of AI computing will require a diverse range of power sources, from renewable energy like solar and wind to more traditional options such as gas-fired power plants and diesel gensets. This all-of-the-above approach ensures that AI data centers can adapt to varying circumstances and maximize efficiency.
At the recent ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit, discussions centered around the potential for data centers to become carbon-negative by utilizing waste heat to extract carbon and water from the air. This innovative approach could revolutionize the way data centers operate, reducing emissions and promoting sustainability.
As we look towards the future, the focus remains on exploring new technologies and solutions to optimize AI computing. By leveraging the expertise of industry leaders like NVIDIA, Intel, and Seguente/Purdue/Binghamton, we can gain valuable insights into the advancements that lie ahead in the world of data centers.
Stay tuned for more updates on the latest developments in AI computing at Data Center World 2025. Join us as we delve into the cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of data centers and pave the way for a more efficient and sustainable industry. The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in the Workplace
Mental health awareness has become an increasingly important topic in the workplace in recent years. Employers are recognizing the impact that mental health can have on their employees’ well-being and productivity, and are taking steps to create a more supportive and understanding work environment.
One of the key reasons why mental health awareness is so important in the workplace is because mental health issues are incredibly common. Studies have shown that one in five adults in the United States experience a mental illness in any given year. This means that there is a high likelihood that at least a few of your employees are struggling with a mental health issue at any given time.
When employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns with their employer, they are more likely to seek help and receive the support they need. This can lead to improved overall well-being and increased productivity in the workplace. By creating a culture that is open and supportive of mental health discussions, employers can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and create a more inclusive work environment.
In addition to supporting employees who are already struggling with mental health issues, promoting mental health awareness in the workplace can also help to prevent these issues from arising in the first place. By providing resources and education on mental health, employers can help their employees to better understand the signs and symptoms of mental illness and how to seek help if needed.
There are many ways that employers can promote mental health awareness in the workplace. This can include providing training for managers and supervisors on how to recognize and respond to mental health issues, offering employee assistance programs that provide counseling and support services, and creating a culture of openness and support around mental health discussions.
Overall, promoting mental health awareness in the workplace is crucial for creating a healthy and productive work environment. By supporting employees who are struggling with mental health issues and promoting a culture of openness and understanding, employers can help to create a workplace where all employees feel valued and supported.
