Germany has inaugurated Jupiter, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer, marking a decisive step in the global race for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing. Unveiled on 5 September 2025 at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, the €500 million system is designed to strengthen Europe’s technological independence and scientific competitiveness.
Jupiter: A Milestone in Europe’s Computing Ambitions
The Jupiter supercomputer is capable of performing more than one quintillion calculations per second, a performance benchmark known as “exascale.” This places it among the most powerful computing systems in the world.
According to the TOP500 list of June 2025, Jupiter currently ranks as the fourth fastest supercomputer globally. Built with over 24,000 NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips, it integrates cutting-edge liquid cooling systems and modular container-based design to maximize both efficiency and scalability.
Political and Strategic Significance
At the inauguration, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Jupiter would help Europe “catch up and hold its own” in the AI-driven economy.
The project, jointly funded by the European Union (EU), the German government, and the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking, represents a broader push towards digital sovereignty. Officials say the goal is to reduce dependence on U.S. and Chinese technologies while ensuring European research institutions and industries have access to cutting-edge infrastructure.
Powering Artificial Intelligence and Scientific Discovery
The Jupiter system is designed not only for traditional scientific applications but also for training large language models and other AI systems. According to its developers, it can deliver up to 90 exaflops on AI-specific workloads, making it one of the strongest platforms for generative AI worldwide.
Beyond AI, researchers anticipate Jupiter will advance work in climate modeling, biotechnology, quantum research, and energy innovation. Prof. Thomas Lippert, head of the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, described the launch as a “transformative moment for European science” that will support both academic research and industrial applications.
Sustainability and Energy Efficiency
Despite its scale, Jupiter is designed to be highly energy efficient. Early testing ranked it among the top performers in the Green500 list, which tracks supercomputers’ power efficiency.
The system uses advanced warm-water cooling and a heat reuse program integrated into Jülich’s campus infrastructure. Its installation spans approximately 2,300 square metres, or about half a football field, across 50 modular containers.
Broader Implications for Europe’s Digital Future
The launch of Jupiter reflects Europe’s ambition to build a sovereign AI ecosystem. The system will serve as the backbone of the Jupiter AI Factory (JAIF), a platform aimed at enabling startups, universities, and public institutions to develop advanced models within Europe.
Analysts note that while the U.S. and China currently lead in both computing power and commercial AI development, Jupiter represents Europe’s clearest effort yet to establish itself as a serious contender. Dr. Anna Müller, a technology policy analyst at the Berlin-based think tank Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik, observed that “Jupiter is as much a political signal as it is a scientific tool, underscoring Europe’s determination to control its technological future.”
Conclusion
The launch of the Jupiter supercomputer places Europe firmly on the map of exascale computing and AI development. While the U.S. and China continue to dominate the sector, Jupiter offers Europe a powerful new instrument for research, innovation, and strategic autonomy. Whether it can help bridge the gap in AI leadership will depend on how effectively researchers and industries across the continent harness its potential.
