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Improving the skill and detail of ECMWF predictions is a computationally expensive process. ECMWF has operated a world-class high-performance computing (HPC) facility for weather forecasting since the installation of its first CRAY-1 supercomputer in 1978. Our current system comprises four Atos BullSequana XH2000 clusters.
A new generation of computing systems with exascale capabilities is emerging, which promise improved energy efficiency. Changes are needed throughout the entire NWP processing chain if we are to exploit the new technologies that will lead to exascale capabilities. Key challenges include adapting computer codes to work efficiently on a range of novel computer architectures, improving data handling, and exploiting machine learning.
We will also seek to minimise power consumption, leading to both effective and efficient computation.
We have the mandate to provide a seamless infrastructure and services to our users, allowing them to use the computing services and data available effectively in order to improve science and forecasts. Together with other ECMWF facilities and services such as the high-performance computing facility and the data handling system, we operate an on-premises cloud-computing-based IT infrastructure. This is used to host and serve multiple projects and services offered at ECMWF, such as the European Weather Cloud and the Copernicus Climate Data Store and Atmosphere Data Store.
Find out more about our supercomputing and cloud facilities and how to access our computing facilities.