The Isambard-AI facility was built using modular construction methods, and is valued at £225m
Located in the Bristol and Bath Science Park, the facility will boost the new UK supercomputer’s power to 21 AI ExaFLOPs.
With the facility opened on 17 June, the computer is now the 6th fastest supercomputer in Europe, and the 4th greenest in the world according to the Green500 list.
The facility is exceptionally green
The construction of the data centre has reduced carbon emissions by approximately 72% compared to traditional building methods, thanks to innovations such as modular construction techniques and the use of busbars in place of conventional cabling.
The facility was also built quickly, with Isambard-AI being fully online within five months in a sector where many projects of similar scale can take years.
Tom Lee-Fox, managing director of Oakland Construction, said: “It has been a privilege as a Bristol company to support this landmark Bristol project. We are incredibly proud at Oakland Construction to have delivered a build of this scale in such a short time frame – a testament to the dedication and collaborative work ethic of the whole project team.
“The sustainability of the build was a core priority. By using modular construction methods and off-site manufacture, we significantly reduced waste, minimised onsite disruption and accelerated delivery – all while supporting the UK government to meet its net zero carbon goals.”
Part of the UK’s AI strategy
In January, the prime minister laid out plans to make the UK an “AI superpower”, through the UK AI Action Plan.
The development of this supercomputer is a key aspect of the plan, along with the establishment of ‘AI growth zones’, with the first being located in Culham, Oxfordshire, and the employment of AI in public sector jobs to boost productivity and efficiency.
At the opening of the Isambard-AI facility, secretary of state for science, innovation, and technology, Peter Kyle, said: “Today we put the most powerful computer system in the country into the hands of British researchers and entrepreneurs.
“Isambard-AI doesn’t just close the gap with our international competitors – it propels the UK to the forefront of AI discovery.
“With our AI Research Resource now fully up and running, the UK is home to the raw computational horsepower that will save lives, create jobs, and help us reach net zero ambitions faster.
“This is our Plan for Change in action, building the compute infrastructure that makes Britain a magnet for the world’s brightest minds and boldest ideas.
“The breakthroughs delivered by the AI Research Resource will define the next decade, from AI tools that spot cancer earlier, to materials that help make clean energy cheaper than fossil fuels.”
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