Today, regular cars and old-style factories don’t need as much lubricant as before, because new machines are more efficient and many cars are electric. Thus, the need for lubricants is still growing in fast-growing industries that use a lot of energy. This gives new chances for lubricant companies to grow.
As more data centers are being built around the world—thanks to things like AI, cloud storage, and super-fast internet—they’re using a lot more energy. This big energy use is creating new chances for lubricant companies who can handle the tough jobs these centers need.
Industry Analysts say data centers might use up to 8% of the world’s electricity by 2030. To keep up, more power plants, wind farms, and backup generators are being built. These machines need strong, high-quality lubricants to work well all day and night. Lubricants help keep engines, turbines, and other parts running smoothly without breaking down.
One big chance for lubricant companies is in special oils used in turbines. These oils have to handle really hot temperatures and also stop something called “varnish” from building up. Varnish is a sticky stuff that forms when oil breaks down.
It can make machines slow or even stop working, which costs a lot of money. That’s why many people now want turbine oils that stay strong under heat and stop varnish from forming.
Chevron, a big name in this field, makes special oils called GST Advantage™ with VARTECH™. These oils are made with strong ingredients that help prevent oil breakdown and keep turbines running smoothly for a long time. If a system already has varnish, Chevron also has a cleaner called VARTECH™ ISC that breaks the varnish into tiny bits so it can be removed during an oil change.
Other companies are also helping by offering varnish cleaning and protection services. They use smart filters and cleaners to get rid of varnish and help machines last longer. This is really important in places like data centers that need a lot of power. Also, better engine oils that last longer are becoming more important as energy use keeps growing.
A cool new idea called oil-based immersion cooling is changing how data centers stay cool. Instead of using fans or water, this method puts computer servers into special oils that don’t conduct electricity. These oils help remove heat faster and more evenly, saving energy and helping the equipment last longer. It’s safer than water and easier to take care of than big air systems, which makes it great for future data centers.
Big oil companies are already making these special cooling oils. Their products are helping new tech centers run better and cooler.
For lubricant companies, this is a big chance to grow. But they can’t just sell regular oil—they need smart solutions. This means offering special oils that fight varnish, clean old build-up, and help cool data center machines. Companies that also offer services like oil testing, equipment check-ups, and smart maintenance will really stand out.
Distributors (the ones who sell these oils) can grow their business too by teaming up with big oil brands. This helps them get into big tech companies and offer custom solutions and support.
As energy and technology come together, lubricants will play a huge part in keeping everything running smoothly. The companies that move fast, bring new ideas, and work together will be the ones that succeed.
Editor-at-Large
A passionate writer in the lubricant industry, Awais Iqbal has been covering oils, greases, and industrial fluids since the start of his career. At 25, he’s already written for blogs, catalogs, and brand guides across the UAE. Awais’s insights help companies connect with their audience, and his clear, helpful writing style is trusted by brands in the region.
