HPE Powers New Zealand’s Groundbreaking Supercomputer to Revolutionize Environmental Forecasting
In a landmark move set to transform environmental science and forecasting in New Zealand, Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) has deployed the HPE Cray XD2000 supercomputing system. This cutting-edge technology, named Cascade, is purpose-built for AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, enabling researchers to tackle some of the most pressing climate challenges facing the nation. The system marks a significant leap forward in computational power, offering a threefold increase compared to its predecessor, while supporting advanced simulations and real-time decision-making.
Cascade represents Earth Sciences New Zealand’s commitment to strengthening the country’s resilience against weather and climate-related hazards, such as wildfires, flooding, and extreme rainfall events. By leveraging AMD 4th Gen EPYC processors and integrating with HPE GreenLake for File Storage, the system delivers unparalleled performance and efficiency. With the ability to process 19 petabytes of data, Cascade accelerates local research efforts, empowering scientists to make faster, more informed decisions in crisis management scenarios.
Accelerating Research Through Advanced Technology
The deployment of Cascade underscores Earth Sciences New Zealand’s dedication to advancing environmental science. The new supercomputer enables researchers to run multiple AI-powered simulations simultaneously, significantly enhancing the precision of weather predictions. For an island nation like New Zealand, which faces unique climatic challenges such as atmospheric rivers—narrow corridors in the atmosphere that transport vast amounts of water vapor—accurate forecasting is critical to ensuring public safety and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events.
Dr. Jess Robertson, Chief Scientist – Advanced Technology at Earth Sciences New Zealand, emphasized the transformative potential of Cascade: “This upgrade with HPE Cray XD2000 marks a huge leap forward in our ability to understand and predict the environment around us. Enhancing scientific research with advanced technology solutions gives us the tools to make smarter and safer decisions with confidence for New Zealand in a changing climate.”
The system also supports nowcasting—a revolutionary technique that uses AI to deliver highly localized, short-term weather predictions. Nowcasting plays a crucial role in optimizing renewable energy integration into high-frequency markets, such as solar and wind power, and improving emergency response strategies during fires and severe weather events.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing Through Innovation
Cascade is not only a technological marvel but also a model of sustainability. Equipped with direct liquid cooling (DLC) technology, the system minimizes energy consumption and water usage while efficiently managing the heat generated by its computational cluster. Additionally, the electricity powering the CDC data center, where Cascade is housed, comes entirely from renewable sources. These features align with New Zealand’s broader goals of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices.
Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director of HPE’s South Pacific operations, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “We’re thrilled to partner with Earth Sciences New Zealand on this groundbreaking initiative. By delivering advanced HPC and AI capabilities, we’re empowering New Zealand’s leading climate and environmental researchers with the tools they need to drive scientific discovery and tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Importantly, we’re able to maximize energy efficiency through direct liquid cooling and leverage renewable energy. This collaboration showcases the true potential of technology to make a meaningful impact, both locally and globally.”
A Regional Milestone in High-Performance Computing
Cascade stands out as the largest implementation of HPE GreenLake for File Storage in the Asia Pacific region, spanning both HPC and traditional enterprise computing environments. This milestone reflects Earth Sciences New Zealand’s forward-thinking approach to addressing the long-term impacts of climate change and safeguarding public safety for future generations.
As the country’s premier provider of natural and environmental science services, Earth Sciences New Zealand is internationally recognized for its innovative research in areas such as climate modeling, freshwater management, geological resources, energy futures, and marine science. The organization plays a pivotal role in supporting New Zealand’s low-carbon economy, protecting biodiversity, improving water quality, and fostering regional development.
Empowering New Zealand’s Climate Resilience
The deployment of Cascade positions Earth Sciences New Zealand at the forefront of global climate research. By harnessing the full potential of HPE’s expertise in design and liquid cooling, the system is engineered to operate at peak capacity for extended periods, ensuring scalability and reliability. This capability allows researchers to process vast datasets, conduct complex simulations, and generate actionable insights that contribute to a safer, more resilient New Zealand.
Moreover, Cascade’s integration with real-time data streams enhances its forecasting accuracy, providing timely information to stakeholders across various sectors. From aiding emergency responders during natural disasters to optimizing renewable energy production, the system’s applications are far-reaching and impactful.
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