The UK’s fastest supercomputer recently became operational at a data centre in Cambridge, offering scientists the opportunity to create digital twins that could change the face of the energy sector, medical care and climate forecasting.
Known as Dawn, the supercomputer is soon to be joined by Isambard, a similar computer being built in Bristol, which in collaboration with Dawn, will increase the power of UK computers thirtyfold by working together as a so-called superfacility.
Modelling fusion power
The energy industry will be closely watching how the supercomputer is deployed by scientists and engineers from the UKAEA, who plan to use Dawn to create a digital twin to help design a prototype nuclear fusion reactor, joining a global race to perfect a technology that could provide safe and almost limitless green energy that would replace fossil fuels.