Earth Sciences New Zealand has launched a cutting-edge supercomputing system, Cascade, powered by HPE Cray XD2000, to revolutionize environmental forecasting and research. This advanced system enhances the precision of meteorological predictions and strengthens New Zealand’s resilience against climate-related challenges, such as wildfires and flooding.
HPE Cray XD2000 powers Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Cascade system.
Cascade offers threefold computational power for AI-driven simulations.
Supports precise weather forecasting and climate resilience strategies.
Features HPE GreenLake for File Storage with 19 petabytes capacity.
Uses direct liquid cooling for energy efficiency and scalability.
Largest HPE GreenLake implementation in Asia Pacific for HPC.
The Cascade system, equipped with AMD 4th Gen EPYC processors, delivers a threefold increase in computational capacity compared to its predecessor. This upgrade enables researchers to run multiple AI-powered simulations concurrently, significantly improving the accuracy of weather predictions. By leveraging high-performance computing (HPC), Earth Sciences New Zealand can better address critical environmental challenges, including atmospheric rivers that trigger major rainfall events.
Cascade integrates HPE GreenLake for File Storage, providing 19 petabytes of data capacity to support rapid research and decision-making. This robust storage solution ensures seamless data processing for forecasting and crisis management. Additionally, the system employs direct liquid cooling (DLC) technology, reducing energy and water consumption while maintaining optimal performance. Housed in the CDC data centre, Cascade operates on 100% renewable energy, aligning with sustainable computing practices.
The supercomputer’s AI capabilities enable nowcasting, a technique that uses real-time data to predict short-term, localized weather patterns. This supports emergency responses to extreme weather events and facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into energy markets. Cascade’s scalability ensures it can handle increasing workloads, future-proofing New Zealand’s climate research infrastructure.
HPE’s collaboration with Earth Sciences New Zealand marks a significant milestone in environmental science. “This upgrade with HPE Cray XD2000 marks a huge leap forward in our ability to understand and predict the environment around us,” says Dr. Jess Robertson, Chief Scientist – Advanced Technology at Earth Sciences New Zealand. The partnership empowers researchers with advanced tools to drive scientific discovery and enhance public safety.
Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Cascade system not only advances weather forecasting but also supports broader goals like biodiversity protection and a low-carbon economy. By combining HPE’s liquid cooling expertise and scalable architecture, the system ensures sustained performance for critical research initiatives. This initiative underscores the role of advanced technology in addressing global climate challenges and fostering regional resilience.
HPE is a leader in essential enterprise technology, bringing together the power of AI, cloud, and networking to help organizations achieve more. As pioneers of possibility, our innovation and expertise advance the way people live and work. We empower our customers across industries to optimize operational performance, transform data into foresight, and maximize their impact. Unlock your boldest ambitions with HPE.
TechIntelPro empowers B2B technology decision-makers with the latest industry trends, deep insights, leadership perspectives and actionable intelligence to drive both organizational and professional milestones—and thrive on the tech pulse.