Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has announced that Earth Sciences New Zealand, formerly known as NIWA, has deployed the HPE Cray XD2000 supercomputing system—named Cascade—to revolutionize its environmental science and weather forecasting capabilities. Located in Auckland, the system marks a major leap forward in the country’s ability to predict extreme weather events and enhance climate resilience. The upgrade replaces outdated high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure and delivers a threefold increase in computational power, enabling researchers to run multiple AI-driven simulations simultaneously for more accurate and timely forecasts. The Cascade system is powered by AMD’s 4th Gen EPYC processors and is tightly integrated with HPE GreenLake for File Storage, creating a high-performance, simplified data environment capable of handling 19 petabytes of data. This vast storage capacity accelerates research workflows, supports faster decision-making, and strengthens crisis response efforts. The system features direct liquid cooling (DLC), which significantly reduces energy and water consumption while maintaining optimal performance. Designed for scalability, Cascade can be expanded in the future to meet growing computational demands. Importantly, the data center housing Cascade runs entirely on 100% renewable electricity, aligning with New Zealand’s environmental goals. This commitment to sustainability underscores the system’s role in supporting a low-carbon economy and protecting biodiversity. As an island nation vulnerable to extreme weather events such as atmospheric rivers—narrow bands of intense moisture that cause heavy rainfall and flooding—accurate, real-time forecasting is critical for public safety and infrastructure planning. Dr. Jess Robertson, Chief Scientist – Advanced Technology at Earth Sciences New Zealand, praised the upgrade, stating it represents a “huge leap forward” in understanding and predicting environmental conditions. The system enables advanced nowcasting, a technique using AI to predict short-term, localized weather patterns with high precision. This capability is vital for managing renewable energy integration—such as solar and wind—into high-frequency energy markets, as well as for rapid emergency response during wildfires and storms. The Cascade deployment is also a landmark achievement for HPE, marking the largest implementation of HPE GreenLake for File Storage in the Asia Pacific region across both HPC and traditional enterprise workloads. Chris Weber, Vice President and Managing Director, South Pacific at HPE, highlighted the collaboration as a powerful example of how technology can drive scientific discovery and address global challenges. He emphasized the system’s energy efficiency, renewable power integration, and long-term scalability as key strengths. Earth Sciences New Zealand, a leader in climate, freshwater, geological, and marine research, plays a central role in advancing national resilience. The new supercomputer not only enhances weather prediction but also supports broader goals such as improving water quality, promoting social equity, and fostering regional development. This partnership exemplifies how cutting-edge HPC and AI technologies, when combined with sustainable design and renewable energy, can empower scientific institutions to tackle climate change with greater speed and precision. With Cascade, New Zealand is better equipped to anticipate environmental threats, protect communities, and lead in climate innovation—setting a benchmark for other nations facing similar challenges.