NEWS
IBM to build its first European quantum data centre to serve expanding ecosystem
NEWS
BM has announced plans to open its first Europe-based quantum data centre to facilitate access to cuttingedge Quantum Computing for companies , research
I
institutions and government agencies . The data centre is expected to be operational in 2024 with multiple IBM Quantum Computing systems , each with utility-scale quantum processors , i . e ., those of more than 100 qubits .
The data centre will be located at IBM ’ s facility in Ehningen , Germany , and will serve as IBM Quantum ’ s European cloud region . Users in Europe and elsewhere in the world will be able to provide services at the data centre for their cloud-based Quantum Computing research and exploratory activity .
The data centre is being designed to help clients continue to manage their European data regulation requirements , including processing all job data within EU borders . The facility will be IBM ’ s second quantum data centre and quantum cloud region , after Poughkeepsie , New York .
The IBM Quantum Network currently has more than 60 organisations across Europe accessing quantum hardware and software via the cloud , including Bosch ; Bundeswehr University ; Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale , including its technology subsidiary Euro-Information and Targobank ; Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron ( DESY ); E . ON ; the European Organization for Nuclear Research ( CERN ); Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft ; Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center ( PSNC ); and T-Systems .
These clients across Europe are exploring potential uses for Quantum Computing including material science , high-energy physics , energy transition , sustainability and financial applications .
Ongoing drought has potential to stunt Spanish data centre market development
mid one of the driest ever Springs in Spain , a sector expert is warning that a lack of free cooling capacity
A could hinder the burgeoning growth of the nation ’ s data centre market .
As hyperscalers and colocation facilities alike grapple with power-related challenges in the FLAP-D markets , data providers are gravitating towards Europe ’ s Tier 2 markets of Zurich , Milan , Madrid and Berlin , with a 2022 projection from CBRE forecasting that these will triple in size by Autumn 2023 . while the nation ’ s wider commitment to realising renewable energy means that energy shortages are less severe compared to other European nations .
“ That said , Spain is currently enduring one of the worst droughts recorded this century . Without water , free cooling processes simply aren ’ t possible , which has the potential to stunt the wider development of the market if left unchecked . For this reason , it ’ s critical that data centre operators ensure that contingency plans are in place in the meantime to maintain Business Continuity .” �
Of these , Madrid was highlighted as the main beneficiary , with 47MW set to come online in 2022 and 2023 .
However , following reports that the Spanish water reserve fell below 50 % in May , Aggreko is warning that interruptions to free cooling processes have the potential to stifle the market ’ s ongoing growth .
Billy Durie , Global Sector Head for Data Centres at Aggreko , said : “ Spain , and Madrid in particular , is becoming an increasingly attractive location for data centre facilities . The Spanish government ’ s Digital Spain 2026 policy is a huge bonus for data providers ,
12 www . intelligentdatacentres . com