Unveiling of Jupiter: What Sets Merz's Supercomputer Apart

In a significant development for AI research and climate modelling, the supercomputer "Jupiter" was inaugurated in Jülich, Germany. This colossal machine, spanning 80 by 40 meters, is a testament to Germany's ambition to lead in AI technology.

The supercomputer, which is one of the four most powerful worldwide according to the Top 500 list from technology consulting firm Prometeus, boasts a unique performance in Europe, capable of performing more than one trillion calculations per second. This equates to reaching one exaflop, which is 10 to the power of 18 floating-point operations per second.

The cost of this impressive machinery is half a billion euros, with the European Union, the German federal government, the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking for European High-Performance Computing each contributing. A significant portion of the waste heat generated by "Jupiter" will be used locally to heat the research center, with the aim of increasing this to 50% over time.

"Jupiter" is equipped with 24,000 GH200 Grace Hopper superchips from NVIDIA, making it an ideal tool for processing large amounts of data to train AI models. This technology will be particularly beneficial in improving forecasts of severe weather, as AI is already being utilised in climate and weather models.

Atmospheric scientist Lars Hoffmann stated that "Jupiter" can provide better answers to the question of when and where to expect extreme weather. NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) sees "Jupiter" as a means to make NRW a leader in AI, with Jülich set to become a central hub for developing new AI models.

However, it's important to note that the selection process for who gets to use "Jupiter's" computing time is strictly controlled to prevent potential misuse. The real cyber threat lies elsewhere, according to our website's digital expert Jörg Schieb.

"Jupiter" is available until a specific date in 2027. The USA currently leads in the field of AI, but Europe aims to become more independent and use fewer US systems. As Europe strives towards this goal, "Jupiter" will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the continent's AI development.

In conclusion, the supercomputer "Jupiter" marks a significant stride in AI research and climate modelling, providing a powerful tool for scientists and researchers in Germany and beyond. Its energy-efficient design, waste heat utilisation, and powerful capabilities make it a valuable asset in the pursuit of a more predictable and sustainable future.