HPE introduces supercomputer Blue Lion with groundbreaking performance

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is building a groundbreaking supercomputer, Blue Lion, for the Leibniz Supercomputing Center (LRZ) in Germany. Launching in 2027, this next-generation system will be 30 times faster than its predecessor, SuperMUC-NG. It’s part of Germany’s Gauss Center for Supercomputing (GCS) and will support a wide range of research projects.

“LRZ's Blue Lion is another big step to reinforce Germany's position as a leading region for supercomputing and AI innovation.”

Heiko Meyer, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, Hewlett Packard Enterprise

What Blue Lion can do

Blue Lion blends traditional simulations with artificial intelligence (AI), making it easier for scientists to handle complex data and run large-scale scenarios. Researchers working in areas like astrophysics, quantum physics, life sciences, and fluid mechanics will gain powerful tools to push the boundaries of their work.

The supercomputer’s key features include:

• HPE Cray technology with NVIDIA’s latest accelerators and processors.
• HPE Slingshot, enabling lightning-fast 400-gigabit-per-second data transfers.
• Specialized tools like HPE Performance Cluster Management for streamlined efficiency.

With these innovations, Blue Lion accelerates data processing and helps researchers achieve breakthroughs faster than ever.

Designed for efficiency

Blue Lion is all about energy efficiency. It uses 100% direct liquid cooling, which relies on 40°C warm water to keep the system running smoothly while reducing emissions and costs. The waste heat from the system is repurposed—currently, LRZ uses this heat to warm its offices, and in the future, it could support neighboring organizations.

The compact design also means server cabinets can be packed more densely, saving space and making the system quieter.

“This increases the anticipation and even more the excitement of how the scientific community will use this system to make even better progress into new realms of knowledge.”

Prof. Dieter Kranzlmüller, Head of LRZ

Getting researchers ready

Using Blue Lion requires a shift in programming methods. The HPE Cray Programming Environment is designed to help researchers update their software and adapt to the new system. Here’s how they’re preparing:

• Workshops and training courses will begin in 2025.
• LRZ will increase its support team by 50%.
• Close collaboration with Hewlett Packard Labs will ensure seamless integration.

These steps will make sure researchers can take full advantage of Blue Lion’s advanced capabilities.

Why Blue Lion matters

Blue Lion is a huge leap forward for Germany’s scientific research.

“Supercomputing plays a pivotal role for progress in science and society, as well as for national competitiveness.”

Heiko Meyer, Executive Vice President of HPE

Its focus on sustainability and efficiency also sets a new standard for future supercomputing systems.