The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has formed a $1 billion partnership with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) to build two artificial intelligence supercomputers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. The systems aim to expand national computing capacity for energy, research, and security applications.
The first system, Lux, will use AMD processors and networking technology to enhance computing power for projects in fusion, materials science, and grid modernization. DOE plans to bring Lux online in early 2026, providing a significant increase in AI processing capacity.
A second system, Discovery, will use AMD’s next-generation processors and HPE’s Cray GX5000 platform. Delivery is expected in 2028, with full operations beginning in 2029. Discovery will exceed the current performance levels achieved by Frontier, Oak Ridge’s leading supercomputer.
The initiative introduces a new public-private partnership model that shortens deployment timelines by allowing shared investment between DOE and industry partners. The structure enables both sides to use shared infrastructure and computing resources to support scientific and industrial research.
AMD, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and DOE will jointly fund and operate the systems. Combined public and private investment exceeds $1 billion. The project will strengthen U.S. research capacity in artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and energy innovation.