Flemish supercomputer sofia ranks highly in global rankings for both computing power and sustainability
The Flemish Supercomputer Centre’s (VSC) latest Tier-1 supercomputer, sofia, has immediately made a strong international impression. Hosted by the VUB, the supercomputer features in the latest edition of the TOP500 list, published today, at number 222 among the world’s most powerful supercomputers. In the Green500 ranking, which assesses energy efficiency, Sofia is ranked 41st.
“The TOP500 shows that sofia is a force to be reckoned with internationally,” says VUB Rector Jan Danckaert. “The Green500 shows that Flanders is achieving this in a well-considered and energy-efficient manner.”
The sofia supercomputer is housed in the Nexus data centre at the Zellik Research Park. The system runs on green electricity and utilises a highly energy-efficient infrastructure. Where possible, rainwater is used for cooling. The heat generated by the supercomputer is used via a heat recovery system to partially heat buildings at the Research Park.
“Sustainability was part of sofia’s design right from the start,” says Karin Voets, CIO of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. “We opted for a system that delivers as much computing power as possible per watt consumed, in a highly energy-efficient data centre. But it doesn’t stop there: we also want to make the most of the supercomputer and help users write their applications more efficiently. In this way, we ensure that every kilowatt delivers as much scientific and societal value as possible.”
“After months of hard work, we are delighted with this ranking in the Green500. Flanders now has a supercomputer that ranks highly internationally and is remarkably energy-efficient,” agrees Ward Poelmans of the Flemish Supercomputer Centre (VSC). “For AI and large-scale simulations, computing power is the new research infrastructure. With sofia, we have an infrastructure close to our researchers, right here in Flanders.”
The funding was secured through the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), which, thanks to the Flemish government, was able to invest 8.6 million euros in the purchase of a new Flemish supercomputer. From 3 July, sofia will be fully deployed for an initial series of academic research projects. The supercomputer will support Flemish researchers in areas including artificial intelligence, climate research, medical applications and large-scale simulations.
Further information:
Ward Poelmans: +32 474 85 17 58
Source: https://top500.org/news/lineshine-debuts-no-1-top500-enters-new-global-exascale-era/ and https://top500.org/system/180476/
Examples of how the VSC Tier-1 supercomputer is used: https://www.vscentrum.be/stories
Frans Steenhoudt
