The Flemish Supercomputer Centre (VSC) has selected the Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB) as the new home for the next Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer. This system will be housed in a cutting-edge data center at the Green Energy Park in Zellik, Belgium. The new facility promises to strengthen Belgium’s position in high-performance computing while promoting sustainability and innovation.
Strategic Location: Green Energy Park, Zellik
The VUB’s Tier-1 supercomputer will be located within the Nexus-built data center at the Green Energy Park in Zellik, a town in Flemish Brabant, Belgium. This location was chosen for its advanced infrastructure and sustainable design, which aligns with the university’s commitment to environmental responsibility and technological advancement.
Nexus Data Center: A Green Energy Hub
The Nexus data center, which spans over 10,000 square meters across nine stories, is a state-of-the-art facility that prioritizes renewable energy and efficiency. Acquired by European colocation firm Penta Infra in June 2024, the center is designed to handle 7.2 MW of IT load supported by a 12.5 MVA renewable power feed.
The center’s innovative features include a photovoltaic façade that generates up to 0.5 MW of solar power, rainwater recuperation systems for cooling, and heat reuse based on a thermal smart grid. These elements ensure the facility meets stringent sustainability goals while providing optimal performance for high-demand applications like supercomputing.
VUB to Lead as Host and Manager
For the first time, VUB will host and manage the Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer, a role previously held by Ghent University with the 3.3 petaflop Hortense system. The new system is expected to provide a significant boost to Flanders’ research and technological capabilities by offering high-performance computing resources for universities, research institutes, and businesses across the region.
VUB’s role in managing this supercomputer will also help transform the Green Energy Park into a leading innovation campus. The park is set to become a hub for scientific research, sustainability, and technological advancement, attracting global talent and fostering collaboration among academic institutions and industry players.
A Step Towards the Future: Enhanced Research Capabilities
The introduction of the new Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer will facilitate the execution of complex and time-intensive tasks, such as climate simulations and artificial intelligence (AI) model training. According to Jo Brouns, Flemish Minister for Science Policy and Innovation, supercomputers are critical for addressing major societal challenges, enabling researchers, governments, and industries to conduct more efficient calculations.
Sustainable Supercomputing: Energy Efficiency and Cooling Innovations
One of the most noteworthy features of the upcoming Tier-1 supercomputer is its commitment to sustainability. The system will rely on free air cooling for most of the year, which reduces its environmental footprint by minimizing the need for energy-intensive active cooling. Active cooling will only be required during warmer periods, ensuring that the system operates efficiently year-round.
In addition to the free air cooling system, solar panels installed at the data center will help offset the energy costs of running the supercomputer. The integration of renewable energy and energy-efficient cooling methods makes this supercomputer one of the most sustainable in Europe.
Expected Timeline and Future Prospects
The supercomputer is expected to be fully operational by fall 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of Belgium’s high-performance computing infrastructure. With VUB at the helm, this project is set to elevate the country’s research capabilities and further integrate sustainable technologies into the broader tech ecosystem.
Key Facts and Data
- Location: Nexus Data Center, Green Energy Park, Zellik, Belgium
- Key Tenants: Vrije Universiteit Brussels (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussels (Brussels University Hospital)
- Power Capacity: 7.2 MW IT load, supported by 12.5 MVA renewable power feed
- Sustainable Features: Solar panels, rainwater cooling system, heat reuse via thermal smart grid
- Operational Timeline: Expected to be operational by fall 2025
- Previous System: 3.3 petaflops Hortense at Ghent University
- Project Investment: €12 million ($12.5 million)
FAQ Section
1. What is a Tier-1 supercomputer?
A Tier-1 supercomputer is a high-performance computing system that serves a wide region, providing computing resources to universities, research institutes, and industries. It is larger and more powerful than a Tier-2 supercomputer, which is typically smaller and hosted at individual universities.
2. How does free air cooling benefit supercomputers?
Free air cooling uses ambient outdoor air to regulate the temperature of the data center, reducing the need for energy-intensive cooling systems. This lowers energy consumption and helps decrease the environmental impact of running high-performance systems like supercomputers.
3. What is the Green Energy Park in Zellik?
The Green Energy Park is an innovation campus in Zellik, Belgium, focused on sustainable energy and technology development. It is home to the Nexus data center and will host the new Flemish Tier-1 supercomputer, contributing to Belgium’s goals for energy efficiency and research advancement.
4. How will the new supercomputer impact Flemish research?
The supercomputer will enable more efficient research and simulations in areas like climate science and AI, accelerating progress on key societal challenges. It will support universities, businesses, and government agencies in Flanders by providing them with access to powerful computing resources.
