The Barcelona Supercomputing Center is an emblem of technological advancement nestled in the heart of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Established on April 1, 2005, the center is renowned for housing MareNostrum, a powerful supercomputer.

MareNostrum 5, a pre-exascale supercomputer, boasts an impressive peak performance of 314 Petaflops, or 314 million billion calculations per second. Based on the Bull Sequana XH3000 solution by Eviden and Lenovo ThinkSystem architectures, it was ranked as the 8th most powerful supercomputer globally and the greenest in Europe as of November 2023. Its energy-efficient design is complemented by sustainable energy use and water cooling, with the generated heat used for heating the building.

Located in the striking Torre Girona, a repurposed chapel at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, the center is a prime example of modern technology meeting historical architecture. The supercomputer MareNostrum is encased within a vast glass box, seamlessly integrating into the chapel's aesthetic. This unique setting not only provides a functional space for the supercomputer but also adds an element of awe to the center's design.

Management of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center is a collaborative effort, involving a consortium of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, which holds a 60% stake, the Government of Catalonia with 30%, and the Polytechnic University of Catalonia contributing the remaining 10%. The center's administration is led by Professor Mateo Valero, ensuring a synergy of academic, governmental, and scientific interests.

Beyond its technological significance, the center has found its way into popular culture. It was featured in Dan Brown's 2017 science fiction mystery thriller novel, "Origin," as the home of the fictional E-Wave device, highlighting its cultural and literary relevance.

MareNostrum 4 at the chapel of Torre Girona

MareNostrum 5

Date: December 2023

Photographer: Ana Guasch

Additional information: BSC