clean energy

Georgia Tech to Build $20M National AI Supercomputer

admin — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 18:58:41 +0000

Georgia Tech to Build $20M National AI Supercomputer admin Wed, 07/16/2025 - 14:58

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Georgia Tech and its partners $20 million to build a powerful new supercomputer that will use artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

Called Nexus, the system will be one of the most advanced AI-focused research tools in the U.S. Nexus will help scientists tackle urgent challenges such as developing new medicines, advancing clean energy, understanding how the brain works, and driving manufacturing innovations.

“Georgia Tech is proud to be one of the nation’s leading sources of the AI talent and technologies that are powering a revolution in our economy,” said Ángel Cabrera, president of Georgia Tech. “It’s fitting we’ve been selected to host this new supercomputer, which will support a new wave of AI-centered innovation across the nation. We’re grateful to the NSF, and we are excited to get to work.”

Designed from the ground up for AI, Nexus will give researchers across the country access to advanced computing tools through a simple, user-friendly interface. It will support work in many fields, including climate science, health, aerospace, and robotics.

“The Nexus system's novel approach combining support for persistent scientific services with more traditional high-performance computing will enable new science and AI workflows that will accelerate the time to scientific discovery,” said Katie Antypas, National Science Foundation director of the Office of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure. “We look forward to adding Nexus to NSF's portfolio of advanced computing capabilities for the research community.”

Nexus Supercomputer — In Simple Terms

Built for the future of science: Nexus is designed to power the most demanding AI research — from curing diseases, to understanding how the brain works, to engineering quantum materials.

Blazing fast: Nexus can crank out over 400 quadrillion operations per second — the equivalent of everyone in the world continuously performing 50 million calculations every second.

Massive brain plus memory: Nexus combines the power of AI and high-performance computing with 330 trillion bytes of memory to handle complex problems and giant datasets.

Storage: Nexus will feature 10 quadrillion bytes of flash storage, equivalent to about 10 billion reams of paper. Stacked, that’s a column reaching 500,000 km high — enough to stretch from Earth to the moon and a third of the way back.

Supercharged connections: Nexus will have lightning-fast connections to move data almost instantaneously, so researchers do not waste time waiting.

Open to U.S. researchers: Scientists from any U.S. institution can apply to use Nexus.

Why Now?

AI is rapidly changing how science is investigated. Researchers use AI to analyze massive datasets, model complex systems, and test ideas faster than ever before. But these tools require powerful computing resources that — until now — have been inaccessible to many institutions.

This is where Nexus comes in. It will make state-of-the-art AI infrastructure available to scientists all across the country, not just those at top tech hubs.

“This supercomputer will help level the playing field,” said Suresh Marru, principal investigator of the Nexus project and director of Georgia Tech’s new Center for AI in Science and Engineering (ARTISAN). “It’s designed to make powerful AI tools easier to use and available to more researchers in more places.”

Srinivas Aluru, Regents’ Professor and senior associate dean in the College of Computing, said, “With Nexus, Georgia Tech joins the league of academic supercomputing centers. This is the culmination of years of planning, including building the state-of-the-art CODA data center and Nexus’ precursor supercomputer project, HIVE."

Like Nexus, HIVE was supported by NSF funding. Both Nexus and HIVE are supported by a partnership between Georgia Tech’s research and information technology units.

A National Collaboration

Georgia Tech is building Nexus in partnership with the National Center for Supercomputing Applications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, which runs several of the country’s top academic supercomputers. The two institutions will link their systems through a new high-speed network, creating a national research infrastructure.

“Nexus is more than a supercomputer — it’s a symbol of what’s possible when leading institutions work together to advance science,” said Charles Isbell, chancellor of the University of Illinois and former dean of Georgia Tech’s College of Computing. “I'm proud that my two academic homes have partnered on this project that will move science, and society, forward.”

What’s Next

Georgia Tech will begin building Nexus this year, with its expected completion in spring 2026. Once Nexus is finished, researchers can apply for access through an NSF review process. Georgia Tech will manage the system, provide support, and reserve up to 10% of its capacity for its own campus research.

“This is a big step for Georgia Tech and for the scientific community,” said Vivek Sarkar, the John P. Imlay Dean of Computing. “Nexus will help researchers make faster progress on today’s toughest problems — and open the door to discoveries we haven’t even imagined yet.”

Subtitle

Summary sentence

Summary

The National Science Foundation has awarded Georgia Tech and its partners $20 million to build a powerful new supercomputer that will use artificial intelligence to accelerate scientific breakthroughs. Called Nexus, the system will be one of the most advanced, AI-focused research tools in the U.S. Nexus will help scientists tackle urgent challenges such as developing new medicines, advancing clean energy, understanding how the brain works, and driving manufacturing innovations.

Dateline

Tue, 07/15/2025 - 12:00

media@gatech.edu

Contact

Siobhan Rodriguez
Senior Media Relations Representative
Institute Communications

Associated importer

Keywords

National Science Foundation

NSF

Georgia Tech

supercomputer

Nexus

artificial intelligence

scientific breakthroughs

hpc

clean energy

brain research

medicine development

manufacturing innovation

AI infrastructure

scientific discovery

persistent scientific services

quantum materials

climate science

health research

aerospace

robotics

flash storage

data transfer

U.S. researchers

AI workflows

ARTISAN

Coda Data Center

HIVE supercomputer

NCSA

University of Illinois

national collaboration

tech partnerships

research support

AI talent

scientific community

research access

AI tools

AI-centered innovation

go-researchnews

go-ai

News room topics

Campus and Community

Science and Technology

Georgia Tech to Build $20M National AI Supercomputer

admin — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:11:41 +0000

Georgia Tech to Build $20M National AI Supercomputer admin Tue, 07/15/2025 - 10:11

Nexus Supercomputer — In Simple Terms

Built for the future of science: Nexus is designed to power the most demanding AI research — from curing diseases, to understanding how the brain works, to engineering quantum materials.

Blazing fast: Nexus can crank out over 400 quadrillion operations per second — the equivalent of everyone in the world continuously performing 50 million calculations every second.

Massive brain plus memory: Nexus combines the power of AI and high-performance computing with 330 trillion bytes of memory to handle complex problems and giant datasets.

Storage: Nexus will feature 10 quadrillion bytes of flash storage, equivalent to about 10 billion reams of paper. Stacked, that’s a column reaching 500,000 km high — enough to stretch from Earth to the moon and a third of the way back.

Supercharged connections: Nexus will have lightning-fast connections to move data almost instantaneously, so researchers do not waste time waiting.

Open to U.S. researchers: Scientists from any U.S. institution can apply to use Nexus.

Why Now?

This is where Nexus comes in. It will make state-of-the-art AI infrastructure available to scientists all across the country, not just those at top tech hubs.

Like Nexus, HIVE was supported by NSF funding. Both Nexus and HIVE are supported by a partnership between Georgia Tech’s research and information technology units.

A National Collaboration

What’s Next

Summary sentence

Summary

Dateline

Tue, 07/15/2025 - 12:00

media@gatech.edu

Contact

Siobhan Rodriguez
Senior Media Relations Representative
Institute Communications

Associated importer

Keywords

National Science Foundation

NSF

Georgia Tech

supercomputer

Nexus

artificial intelligence

scientific breakthroughs

hpc

clean energy

brain research

medicine development

manufacturing innovation

AI infrastructure

scientific discovery

persistent scientific services

quantum materials

climate science

health research

aerospace

robotics

flash storage

data transfer

U.S. researchers

AI workflows

ARTISAN

Coda Data Center

HIVE supercomputer

NCSA

University of Illinois

national collaboration

tech partnerships

research support

AI talent

scientific community

research access

AI tools

AI-centered innovation

go-researchnews

go-ai

News room topics

Campus and Community

Science and Technology

Mercury ID

683137

Source updated

Tue, 07/15/2025 - 10:10

AI’s Energy Demands Spark Nuclear Revival

admin — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 18:03:41 +0000

AI’s Energy Demands Spark Nuclear Revival admin Fri, 01/10/2025 - 13:03

The demand for electricity to power AI data centers is skyrocketing, placing immense pressure on traditional energy sources.

“If we continue pursuing clean energy for AI and data centers, we will need to triple the energy supply for data centers by 2030,” says Woodruff Professor Anna Erickson, a nuclear engineering expert from Georgia Tech. Nuclear power, with its high energy density and continuous operation, is well-suited to provide the steady base load of electricity required.

According to Erickson, the recent headlines of the restarting of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island Unit 1 reactor (TMI-1) could play a crucial role in meeting these demands sustainably.

This decision, supported by a 20-year agreement with Microsoft, aims to provide carbon-free energy to meet the escalating power demands of AI data centers. The company’s goal to be carbon negative by 2030 aligns with the broader push for sustainable energy solutions.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, as of Aug. 1, 2023, the United States has 93 operating commercial nuclear reactors across 54 nuclear power plants in 28 states. The most recent reactor to begin commercial operation is Unit 4 at the Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant in Georgia, which started on April 29, 2024.

The commercial start of Unit 4 completes the 11-year expansion project at Plant Vogtle.

A Historic Site With a New Mission

Three Mile Island, infamous for the 1979 partial meltdown of its Unit 2 reactor, has remained a symbol of nuclear caution. However, the reopening of TMI-1, which operated safely for decades before its 2019 shutdown due to financial constraints, represents a potential renaissance for nuclear power. The plant’s revival is seen as a strategic move to address the increasing strain on conventional electricity grids, exacerbated by the energy-intensive needs of AI technologies.

Expert Insights on Safety and Innovation

Erickson stresses the importance of rigorous safety measures and technological upgrades in the reopening process.

“Reopening TMI-1 will require addressing several critical safety concerns, primarily focused on aging infrastructure and modern regulatory standards,” she explains. Comprehensive inspections and upgrades to emergency cooling, radiation monitoring, and digital control systems will be essential to ensure structural integrity and operational reliability.

Erickson notes, “We can expect to see developments in advanced radiation detection, novel sensors, and AI-driven security systems.” These technologies not only enhance safety but also improve the efficiency and reliability of nuclear power plants. She also highlights the potential for innovative advancements in reactor technology.

Economic and Environmental Implications

The reopening of TMI-1 is expected to bring notable economic advantages. According to Erickson, upgrading existing infrastructure is likely to be more cost-effective than new construction and can be completed more quickly.

“The implications of restarting are significant,” she explains. “It supports clean energy goals and provides a reliable power source for the growing needs of data centers.”

Environmental considerations are also paramount. The plant’s carbon-free energy production aligns with efforts to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Nuclear energy is a clean and reliable power source that can help us achieve our climate goals while meeting the growing energy demands of AI,” Erickson emphasizes.

Public Perception and Regulatory Oversight

Despite the potential benefits, public perception of nuclear energy remains cautious, primarily due to historical incidents like the Three Mile Island accident. Erickson acknowledges these concerns and indicates the importance of transparent regulatory oversight and effective communication.

She says the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) “does a lot to ensure safety and security, but as experts, we need to do a better job of explaining technological advances and the benefits of nuclear energy.”

The reopening of TMI-1 is subject to approval from the NRC and other regulatory bodies, ensuring that all safety and environmental standards are met.

Summary sentence

Professor Anna Erickson highlights the reopening of Three Mile Island Unit 1 as a crucial step in meeting the growing energy demands of AI data centers with carbon-free nuclear power, aligning with Microsoft's sustainability goals.

Summary

Woodruff Professor Anna Erickson from Georgia Tech emphasizes the increasing energy demands of AI data centers, which are putting pressure on traditional energy sources and prompting a shift towards nuclear power for its high energy density and continuous operation. The reopening of Pennsylvania’s Three Mile Island Unit 1, supported by a 20-year agreement with Microsoft, aims to provide a steady, carbon-free energy supply to meet these demands. This move aligns with Microsoft's goal to be carbon negative by 2030 and represents a strategic effort to address the strain on conventional electricity grids. Despite public caution due to historical incidents, Erickson stresses the importance of safety measures and technological upgrades to ensure the plant's reliability and efficiency.

Dateline

Fri, 01/10/2025 - 12:00

sar30@gatech.edu

Contact

Siobhan Rodriguez

Institute Communications

Associated importer

Keywords

Three Mile Island

AI data centers

electricity demand

traditional energy sources

clean energy

Nuclear Power

Three Mile Island Unit 1

Professor Anna Erickson

Georgia Tech

Microsoft

carbon-free energy

sustainability goals

United States Energy Information Administration

commercial nuclear reactors

Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant

safety measures

technological upgrades

economic advantages

environmental implications

public perception

regulatory oversight

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

artificial intelligence (AI)

Green Buzz

News room topics

Earth and Environment

Science and Technology

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff Visits Georgia Tech

bwaye3 — Mon, 02 May 2022 13:39:42 +0000

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff Visits Georgia Tech bwaye3 Mon, 05/02/2022 - 09:39

Georgia U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff visited Georgia Tech’s campus on Friday, April 29. His stop at Tech brought major stakeholders in Georgia together in a roundtable discussion to explore the potential for a hydrogen hub in the Southeast.

The Biden administration regards clean hydrogen as a critical component in a plan to transition the American energy infrastructure toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes $8 billion to establish regional hydrogen hubs that will conduct the research and development necessary to make hydrogen a viable, cost-effective, and clean energy carrier.

Sen. Ossoff has been a vocal supporter of clean and renewable energy initiatives and spoke during the roundtable discussion on the possibilities of the state of Georgia being an early adopter in the emerging clean energy market.

Hydrogen is one of Georgia Tech’s strategic research initiatives, and the Strategic Energy Institute, led by Tech Professor Timothy Lieuwen, has been very instrumental in coordinating the energy research community, which is active in hydrogen-related research.

Ossoff said that in hosting this event at Georgia Tech, he hopes to position the state of Georgia and Georgia Tech as key players in the receipt of federal funds to help accelerate the Biden administration’s goal of using hydrogen as a clean energy carrier rather than relying on expensive technology.

“Exciting opportunities in hydrogen energy are coming to Georgia,” said Ossoff. “This is a vital energy source as we continue to reduce pollution and move toward clean energy.”

Summary sentence

Ossoff hosted a roundtable discussion at Tech to explore the potential for a hydrogen hub in the Southeast.

Dateline

Mon, 05/02/2022 - 12:00

sar30@gatech.edu

Contact

Siobhan Rodriguez

Institute Communications

sar30@gatech.edu

Location

Atlanta, GA

Associated importer

Keywords

hydrogen

senator ossoff

ossoff

georgia senator

hydrogen hub

clean energy

renewable energy

News room topics

Campus and Community

clean energy

Georgia Tech to Build $20M National AI Supercomputer

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Georgia Tech to Build $20M National AI Supercomputer

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AI’s Energy Demands Spark Nuclear Revival

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U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff Visits Georgia Tech

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