Computer commencement process has begun.

Jupiter, Europe's First Exascale-Class Supercomputer, Unveiled

In a significant stride towards advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainable energy research, the Research Centre Jülich in Germany has unveiled its new supercomputer, Jupiter. This state-of-the-art machine is not only Europe's first exascale-class computer but also the most energy-efficient among the most powerful supercomputers on the Top 500 list.

The Jupiter project, a collaborative effort between the European public-private partnership initiative Euro-HPC, the Federal Ministry of Research, and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is expected to play a crucial role in propelling Europe to the forefront of AI development. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst (both CDU) participated in the inauguration ceremony.

Jupiter's impressive capabilities include the ability to perform over a trillion calculations per second. It is equipped with around 24,000 GH200 Grace Hopper superchips from US company Nvidia, which also provided the technology for the supercomputer's chips. This powerful hardware enables Jupiter to excel in a variety of fields, from AI model training with massive datasets to the development of new drugs against previously little-understood diseases.

In terms of energy efficiency, Jupiter's warm-water cooling system is designed to utilize the heat generated during operation to heat buildings on the campus, making it a sustainable choice for computing power. Moreover, the power for Jupiter comes from renewable sources, further reducing its environmental footprint.

Astrid Lambrecht, CEO of the Research Centre Jülich, described Jupiter as the "central building block for Europe's digital sovereignty". The supercomputer is anticipated to significantly improve climate models and weather simulations, aiding in the development and optimization of a sustainable energy system.

Jupiter's modular design allows it to integrate new technologies like quantum computing and neuromorphic chips, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in the ever-evolving digital landscape. With its potential for science, economy, and society in the field of AI, Jupiter demonstrates the promise of digital innovation for a sustainable future.

In the site selection process, Jülich beat out research institutions in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, underscoring the centre's commitment to and success in this groundbreaking project. Jupiter currently ranks fourth on the official Top 500 list of the world's fastest supercomputers, setting new standards in the realm of high-performance computing.

As a testament to its impact, a quantum physicist described Jupiter as a "game-changer" for scientific research. With its unparalleled capabilities and commitment to sustainability, Jupiter is poised to reshape the landscape of AI and digital innovation in Europe and beyond.