Powering the UK's fastest supercomputer: Isambard AI

Powering the UK's fastest supercomputer: Isambard AI

From Technology Now by Hewlett Packard Enterprise

May 28, 2026 · 17 min · Episode 161

About this episode

This episode explores the energy usage and cooling systems of the UK's fastest supercomputer, Isambard AI, featuring insights from Dr Emma Rose.

How much power does the UK’s fastest supercomputer use? This week, Technology Now returns to Isambard AI, the UK’s most powerful supercomputer to find out how you run such a machine. We will explore how much energy it uses, how the system stays cool, and we ask if there are any planned future developments which could increase efficiency. Dr Emma Rose, Centre Manager for the Bristol Centre for Supercomputing, tells us more. This is Technology Now, a weekly show from Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Every week, hosts Michael Bird and Sam Jarrell look at a story that's been making headlines, take a look at the technology behind it, and explain why it matters to organizations. This episode is available in both video and audio formats. About Emma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-rose-7951768a/

People in this episode

Hosts: Michael Bird, Sam Jarrell

Guest: Dr Emma Rose

Topics covered

  • supercomputing
  • energy efficiency
  • technology
  • cooling systems
  • future developments

Keywords

  • supercomputer
  • Isambard AI
  • energy usage
  • cooling systems
  • efficiency
  • Bristol Centre for Supercomputing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bristol Centre for Supercomputing

Products: Isambard AI

Places: UK

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