Excitement is building for the upcoming High Performance Computing Knowledge Portal (HPCKP) 2024 meeting in Barcelona, where the team at Alces Flight is on a return trip – this time discussing the environmental impact of HPC. This annual gathering serves as a vital forum for HPC experts to exchange insights and innovations, and we are thrilled to be part of this dynamic community.
At Alces Flight, we are not only dedicated to advancing technological innovation but also deeply committed to sustainability. In line with this ethos, we are proud to unveil our abstract titled “The Evolution of HPC for a Sustainable World”. Traditionally, the acquisition of High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems has centred around rigid hardware specifications. However, a paradigm shift is underway within the HPC community, and there is a growing recognition of the broader implications of these solutions, including their impact on research, society, and the environment.
Our talk, delivered by our CEO, Michael Rudgyard, delves into a critical aspect of this evolution: the carbon footprint of HPC systems. By examining both the embedded carbon and the carbon emissions associated with their operations, we aim to shed light on the environmental ramifications of HPC infrastructure. In an era where organisations face mounting pressure to disclose their carbon footprint, understanding the economic consequences of emissions becomes paramount. To address this challenge, we explore the concept of a ‘carbon price’ and delve into the complexities of carbon measurement within HPC systems.
Our discussion goes beyond mere analysis; we propose actionable steps to mitigate the environmental impact of HPC infrastructure. This includes identifying measurable parameters, exploring methodologies for carbon footprint assessment, and implementing strategies for sustainability. From the potential reuse of waste heat to leveraging power from low-carbon or renewable sources, we advocate for holistic solutions that align with our vision of a greener future.
HPCKP24 free to attend online and in-person and registration is now open! We encourage everyone to visit their website to learn more about this exciting event here, and join us on our journey towards a more sustainable HPC landscape.