The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts an annual increase in global energy demand by 1 to 1.2 percent by 2035. A major driver in terms of electric power is data centers and artificial intelligence (AI) that are going to triple their power requirement by 2035, according to the IEA. Producing, transporting, and using energy efficiently remains a huge societal challenge that Schaeffler is tackling as well. How? One of the places where the motion technology company provides answers is CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

Experience-based efficiency

The technologies showcased by Schaeffler address the strong global growth of the demand for energy. These technologies are used both in renewable and conventional energy systems and in power-hungry data centers. Schaeffler combines decades of experience in bearing and motion technologies with advanced sensor systems and data-driven maintenance concepts.

“CES shows how our expertise as a motion technology company can specifically help cover the growing energy requirement efficiently and reliably. Our solutions extend from conveyor to wind power to cooling systems in data centers – wherever maximum performance and availability and minimal downtimes are decisive.”

Jeff Hemphill, CTO Schaeffler Americas

Schaeffler optimizes energy efficiency and reliability of data centers

The energy consumption of data centers is rising rapidly – especially due to high-performance cooling systems. Servers, network, and storage systems generate huge amounts of waste heat that needs to be reliably dissipated. At the same time, operators expect 99.9 percent of availability and reliability.

Schaeffler supports data centers with an extensive portfolio of bearing, monitoring, and system solutions for fans, pumps, compressors, and motors. The objective is to reduce the cooling energy and maintenance requirements, and to avoid unscheduled downtimes.

Current-insulating bearings for protection of critical HVAC systems

Frequency converters typically used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can conduct electrical currents through bearings, resulting in electrical erosion, premature bearing failure, and costly downtimes.

Schaeffler uses current-insulating bearings including hybrid ceramic and ceramic-coated variants with proprietary coatings. They prevent damage due to electrical currents, increase reliability in continuous operation, and reduce maintenance requirements – a crucial factor for uninterrupted operation of critical data center infrastructures.

Schaeffler increases reliability and performance of renewable energies

Wind and solar power systems operate under challenging conditions. Wind power systems are subjected to heavy alternating loads, vibrations, and extreme weather conditions. Bearing failures can entail downtimes and cost-intensive repairs for months on end. Solar farms, on the other hand, must yield as much energy as possible in large areas combined with minimal maintenance.

Schaeffler contributes decades of experience from the energy sector and develops components and system solutions that are specifically designed for these challenging service conditions.

High-performance bearings for wind power systems

Schaeffler is showcasing a wide range of rolling bearings for wind power drives – optimized for high loads, long life, and maximum efficiency:

• Grooved ball bearings are frequently used in generators requiring high rotational speeds and compact designs. Optimized interior designs and stiffer cages of the C model range generation enable higher rotational speeds and load ratings.

• Double-row tapered roller bearings are the load-bearing elements of many wind power gearboxes. They bear high axial and radial loads, reduce friction, and wear, and with Durotect-B coatings minimize the risk of so-called white etching cracks (WECs), i.e., microscopic cracks that propagate quickly.

• Cylindrical roller bearings act as floating bearings permitting axial motion of the shaft while absorbing radial forces and compensating for thermal expansions and offsets. They improve the effectiveness of the gearbox and for extremely challenging load cases are available also in case-hardened and carbonitrided versions.

• Performance technologies such as X-life designs, specialty steels (e.g., Cronidur), and functional coatings increase load bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, and life – even under harsh operating conditions.

Benefits of X-life quality

• Increase of load rating by up to 20 %

• Approx. 70 % longer life under the same operating conditions

• Up to 75% lower friction

• Lower cost of ownership due to lower energy consumption

• Longer maintenance intervals due to improved lubrication

• Low lubricant wear due to reduced heat development

• Lower noise emissions

More solar power from every system

For solar farms, Schaeffler is presenting a new solar tracker actuator. It automatically orients solar modules to the position of the Sun, maximizing energy yield throughout the day.

Its compact inline design integrates a motor, gearbox, an impulse counter, and a limit switch in one unit. An aluminum housing provides reliable protection against moisture, dust, and UV radiation – without additional covers or seals.

Solutions for conventional energy generation

The increasing energy requirement due to data centers and AI applications leads to a greater short-term utilization of fossil energy sources. Gas and diesel power stations and the oil and gas infrastructure are being used more intensively – with a correspondingly higher risk of wear.

To ensure supply with minimal use of resources, high plant and equipment availability is crucial. Schaeffler supports operators with advanced bearing developments that minimize friction, enhance efficiency, and enable permanently stable service. That enables the reduction of energy losses, extension of service life, and more sustainable use of resources.

Offshore reliability

To ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of oil rigs, double-row tapered roller bearings from Schaeffler are being used, for instance, in heave compensation systems. Thanks to their X-life design, the company achieves the highest levels of surface qualities and long life. Corrotect coatings complement the package by corrosion protection that’s crucial in terms of exposure to sea water.

Predicting downtimes

Fans, pumps, and gearboxes can be monitored by means of Schaeffler’s Optime Wireless Condition Monitoring system in a modern and reliable way. An intuitive, scalable app-based sensor and diagnostic system detects imbalances, misalignments, or bearing problems. As a result, plant operators avoid unnecessary downtimes, while saving costs and enabling plannable predictive maintenance.

Well lubricated

The smart OPTIME C1 lubricator ensures that the right amount of lubricant is issued to any piece of equipment at the right time. The system is scalable, can be monitored by means of an app, adjusted remotely, and integrated into predictive maintenance programs. Friction and the related performance losses are reduced while the life of bearings and systems increases. That’s an extremely important benefit for instance in the case of critical data center components. For data centers, Schaeffler additionally offers energy-efficient bearings for HVAC systems, predictive maintenance solutions with SmartCheck for machine conditioning monitoring, and FAG CONCEPT lubricators for automated lubrication. With that, Schaeffler offers a comprehensive concept for forward-thinking energy applications.

Shaping the future of energy generation and use

At CES, Schaeffler is positioning itself as a technology partner for a powerful, resilient energy structure. Combining mechanical expertise, sensor systems, and digital analysis, the company supports operators in efficiently, reliably, and sustainably satisfying growing energy requirements.

At CES 2026, Schaeffler is showcasing how advanced bearing technology, smart components, and data-based maintenance enable the next generation of energy production.