The IN2P3 (CNRS) computing center relies on APL to double the size of its data center

Published on May 26, 2026 -

The computing center of the National Institute of Nuclear and Particle Physics (IN2P3) of the CNRS Rhône Alpes delegation hosts several thousand servers storing nearly 20 petabytes of data, accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, by more than 2,500 researchers.

Client company

CNRS - Institut national de physique nucléaire et de physique des particules

Industry

Public sector - Research

Type of support

Project management

Type of service

850 m² extension of the IN2P3 computing center (Tier III level)

Context and objectives of the assignment

IN2P3 researchers require very high computing power to process data from large scientific instruments or perform modeling and validate scientific theories. As the volume of data continues to grow, IN2P3 decided to double the size of its IT rooms. It chose to rely on APL to design a second highly critical IT room, while controlling the computing center's energy consumption.

Extend technical infrastructures to accommodate a new 850 m² IT room with a power capacity of 600kW.
Carry out work in an operational computing center, operating 24/7, 365 days a year
Reduce the computing center's energy consumption

Completed assignments

Design: comparative study of free-cooling solutions and water temperature elevation study, scheduling, budgeting, contractor consultation and assistance with awarding construction contracts
Implementation: construction contract execution management, scheduling and site supervision, assistance during acceptance operations

Client benefits

IT surface area doubled while capitalizing on existing technical infrastructures
Work carried out without service interruption
Optimization of energy performance and reduction of environmental footprint (free-chilling, HFO-type cooling production)
ROI: €130K in estimated energy savings over two years (once full capacity is reached)

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