Adam RollinsThe University of Alabama (UA) will build a $96 million high performance computing and data center (HPC), a chiller plant and an electrical substation yard. The project is currently in the design phase. Bidding will open in September 2024.
UA will build a 40,000-square-foot facility to house the computing and data center for students, the Office of Research and Economic Development and partners. The two-story building will contain HPC equipment, staff offices and work areas. Plans also include shell space for future expansion for computing, a secure suite and support infrastructure.
The university will build a dedicated chiller plant next to the UA Center for High Performance Computing. In addition, the layout includes sufficient access for deliveries, service vehicles and emergency vehicles. As part of the project, the university will buy all necessary HPC equipment and prepare an environment for their usage.
Plans include building a 22,550-square-foot electrical substation yard to power the HPC facility. UA will place the yard next to existing high-voltage transmission lines to provide adequate power and resiliency capacity for the facility’s operations.
Once complete, the UA Center for High Performance Computing will advance the university’s research and development capabilities as a leading institution. Researchers will be able to use state-of-the-art simulations using the facility’s advanced computing resources to perform critical science and engineering research, enhance existing STEM programs and drive student workforce development.
Photo courtesy of the University of Alabama
