The U.S. Department of Energy and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) have announced a $1 billion partnership to build two next-generation supercomputers, named Lux and Discovery, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The systems are designed to accelerate research in nuclear energy, national security, and cancer treatment.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the new systems will “supercharge” innovation in nuclear and fusion energy, drug development, and defense technologies by providing unprecedented computational power. The Lux system, co-developed with AMD, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Oracle Cloud, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will launch within six months and deliver roughly three times the AI capacity of current U.S. supercomputers.
Powered by AMD’s new MI355X AI chips, Lux marks the fastest large-scale supercomputer deployment in U.S. history. The second system, Discovery, featuring AMD’s upcoming MI430 chips, is expected to be available in 2029 and will further expand America’s high-performance computing and AI capabilities.
Supercomputers handle calculations millions to billions of times faster than standard laptops by connecting thousands of processors that work simultaneously—a technique called parallel processing. Learn more about how supercomputers operate here.
Both systems will support joint public-private research, with the DOE hosting the machines and partners sharing access. Officials say this collaboration signals the start of a new era of U.S. investment in supercomputing infrastructure to accelerate scientific discovery and maintain global competitiveness in AI and energy innovation.
The U.S. hosts over 170 supercomputers, including five of the world’s ten most powerful. China and Germany follow in second and third place for total systems (view breakdown).
View original Reuters and Tom’s Hardware articles.
_________
Founded in 1994, Creative Programs and Systems delivers professional results for all your computer needs. We design, create, and code various custom software programs and websites. Additionally, we offer superior digital marketing services, including enhanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and paid advertising. We also repair and support commercial computer infrastructure, build custom systems and servers, and provide secure data backups. Need assistance or want to learn more? Call (810)224-5252 or email info@cpsmi.com us!
Written by the Digital Marketing Team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com/.
