The Wellcome Sanger Institute (WSI), home to one of Europe’s largest genomic research data centers, has announced a significant reduction in energy consumption at its server farm, achieving a one-third decrease by overhauling its power infrastructure.
Partnering with EfficiencyIT, a consultancy specializing in data center digital transformation, WSI aimed to enhance the energy efficiency of its 4.5MW facility in Cambridge, UK, while also improving the resilience and visibility of its essential systems. This data center is the site of one of the world’s foremost DNA sequencing labs, where the Cancer, Ageing, and Somatic Mutation (CASM) program conducts sequencing and analysis of tens of thousands of cancer genomes annually, aimed at uncovering the mutation causes of the disease.
EfficiencyIT implemented Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT Advisor data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software and integrated it with over 300 custom-designed rack power distribution units (PDUs), leading to a remarkable 33% reduction in the data center’s energy use.
In addition to energy savings, WSI increased its computational capacity by 50% with the introduction of new high-performance computing (HPC) equipment, graphics processing units (GPUs), and sequencing technologies. It is also projected to save $1 million annually through the integration of NVIDIA’s accelerated computing technology.
“This enhanced computational capacity has been crucial in speeding up the generation of valuable research data, enabling the Wellcome Sanger Institute to both participate in and lead numerous pioneering projects,” stated the WSI.
Simon Binley, the campus data center operations manager at WSI, emphasized the importance of revamping the data center setup to align energy usage with computational demands. “The technologies within our data center support HPC and GPU-intensive systems for the complex genomic research we conduct on campus and the applied sciences undertaken by our partners,” remarked Binley. “As the hosting density and energy requirements evolve, ensuring the sustainability of our scientific efforts is essential. Our collaboration with EfficiencyIT and Schneider Electric has been instrumental in reducing energy consumption and significantly enhancing our computational capabilities.”
Nick Ewing, managing director of EfficiencyIT, noted that this project marks a new chapter in their ongoing partnership with WSI. “EfficiencyIT has been a strategic ally to the Sanger Institute’s data center operations team for many years. Witnessing this project come to fruition and deliver remarkable energy savings reflects their commitment to sustainable, cutting-edge science powered by advanced technology,” Ewing said. “Together, we’ve not only decreased their data center energy consumption by a third but also gathered valuable insights to improve operational efficiency and enhance the reliability of the power systems utilized across the campus.”
Mark Yeeles, vice president of the secure power division for Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, added, “We are thrilled to see the outcomes of this data center sustainability initiative and the benefits our EcoStruxure platform has brought to the Wellcome Sanger Institute. This showcases how critical national infrastructure can be efficient, resilient, and sustainable.”