Networks of solar-powered streetlights filled with AI processors offer a clean, water-efficient alternative to data centres.
The futuristic solution has been launched by British greentech firm Conflow Power Group.
Conflow’s iLamps are packed with Nvidia AI processors and operate off-grid.
Conflow presents this as a sustainable solution to the huge surge in demand for data centres, and water for cooling, required for AI.
Edward Fitzpatrick, director of Conflow Power, said: “There are streetlights everywhere in our towns and cities.
“By replacing them with iLamps fitted with Nvidia Jetson processors, you create a huge distributed data centre which is clean, non-water-hungry and low latency because the servers are near to the users.”
He added: “While tech giants scramble to build nuclear power stations to feed their AI addiction, we’ve built something smarter.
“Right now, to power AI, the likes of OpenAI or Google Gemini need a huge building full of GPUs, and they have to pump massive amounts of electricity into it, along with a huge water supply for the cooling system. This is inefficient and we need a smart solution.
Conflow is in negotiations with several companies and governments about a roll-out.
The iLamp is powered by self-cleaning solar panels and comes with a 20-year warranty.
While the base model currently costs £7,500, buyers can generate revenue by charging the AI providers for using the Nvidia Jetson processors.
Each iLamp needs 80W to operate, but can supply 200-600W, which can be used to power the AI processors, which draw 15W per unit.
The lamps can also be used with other technology such as GPUs, AI cameras and sensors, and wifi.
