Subana Jurong, Singapore LNG Corporation (SLNG), the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National Supercomputing Centre (NSCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaboratively explore the development of a proof-of-value (POV) for a green modular data centre system.
If feasible, the system would be the first of its kind in Singapore.
Under the potential system, approximately one petaflop of NSCC’s supercomputer will be installed at the SLNG's terminal on Jurong Island, with the terminal’s stable and continuous chilled seawater supply to be utilised to reduce the heat generated.
The project will also explore powering the prototype system with renewable solar energy or green power backup using hydrogen fuel cell, instead of a diesel power generation set.
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The proposed design will make use of pre-fabricated, standard-sized containers to house the supercomputer, which will allow for a faster set up and installation, as compared to traditional data centre buildings.
NUS will contribute its expertise in liquid cooling technology for the POV, and Surbana Jurong will leverage its engineering design expertise in new and renewable energies, low carbon technologies, cold energy harnessing and smart grid for the project.
Potential power savings from the system would equate 0.2 megawatts, which is roughly equivalent to a carbon footprint reduction of 700 tonnes per year.
Associate Professor Tan Tin Wee, chief executive of NSCC, says that if successful, the prototype could demonstrate industrial symbiosis and serve as a model for future green sustainable supercomputer data centres in Singapore.
