EDF unveils ‘eco-responsible’ decentralised quantum data centre in Canada

EDF Group subsidiary Exaion has inaugurated the Bellevue data centre for quantum hybridisation in Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada.

The new data centre, claimed the world’s first eco-responsible and decentralised infrastructure specifically designed for quantum hybridisation, will provide heating and domestic hot water to the Humano District project in which it is located.

The Bellevue data centre houses a range of cutting-edge quantum equipment, including Quebec’s PINQ2 Platform for Digital and Quantum Innovation’s computing infrastructure dedicated to collaboration between academia and industry, the first quantum computer installed by French quantum information developer Quandela in North America and the first quantum key distribution testbed for cryptography development in Canada from Quebec-based Numana.

Features of the data centre include over 99% renewable energy supply, the integration of innovative cooling technologies combining air and immersion methods and the valorisation of waste heat.

Have you read?
Hydro-Québec eyes quantum computing for energy challenges
Introducing: The computing continuum at the intersection of industry and research

These are aimed to allow for the recovery of 100% of the heat emitted by the servers to provide heating and hot water to the entire real estate complex.

Fatih Balyeli, CEO and co-founder of Exaion, states that the data centre marks a “turning point in the industry” with its approach.

“This project perfectly embodies Exaion’s vision: to combine technological innovation and environmental compliance to meet the digital challenges of tomorrow.”

Exaion emerged out of incubation within the EDF Group to become its 100% web3 subsidiary offering turnkey digital solutions and platforms.

The Humano District project is intended as a sustainable rental condo development based on energy efficiency and other features such as the data centre heat recovery.

DistriQ, Sherbrooke’s Quantum Innovation Zone, is at its heart and together with IBM’s Quantum System One at nearby Bromont, is set for the area to become a major ‘centre’ for quantum technology development in North America and globally.

The Bellevue data centre, 370m2 in extent, is also remarked to serve as a model for data security with multiple levels of protection, while to combat unauthorised access a perimeter defence system has been established with anti-intrusion security solutions, video surveillance and reinforced authentication.