France's meteorological administration Météo-France plans to upgrade its supercomputing infrastructure "with a system enabling a significant increase in performance."

In a previously unreported €185 million ($196m) procurement listing, the government said it plans to deploy the system in Toulouse, Haute-Garonne.

Météo-France
– Météo-France

Météo currently operates a Central Information & Processing System data center to store meteorological data and metadata, and operates two supercomputers, named Belenos and Taranis.

Both are Atos Bull Sequana systems, with a combined performance of 21.48 petaflops. Installed in 2021 for €55 million ($58m) - €144 million ($153m) over five years - Météo said the new systems allowed it to significantly improve its short-term forecasting capabilities.

The new system would cost €185 million ($196m) over six years, excluding VAT.

Potential applicants must have deployed a supercomputer capable of 10 petaflops or more, be able to work with hot water cooling (>35°C), and have stable financials. Companies have until November 20 to put forward bids.

French IT services provider Atos has struggled in recent years with mounting debt, and recently appointed its seventh CEO in three years.

Earlier this month, the French government took a preferred share in Atos’ supercomputing unit.