The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts?

The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts?

      Nigeria has just become the site of Africa's first distributed AI data center, integrated into 50,000 lamp posts.

      Conflow Power Group, based in Warwickshire, has struck a deal with the Katsina State Government in Nigeria to install 50,000 solar-powered smart lamp posts known as iLamps throughout the state (as reported by BBC). Each iLamp is powered by a cylindrical solar panel and battery, which drives a low-energy Nvidia chip consuming just 15 watts.

      When networked together, CPG asserts that these units could provide 13.75 petaOPS of combined computing power without drawing any electricity from the grid. For context, a conventional data center typically requires 300 megawatts of grid power, millions of liters of cooling water, and years of construction time.

      What additional functionalities do these lamp posts offer?

      Each iLamp will support cameras for traffic monitoring, capable of detecting speeding vehicles, parking infractions, and seatbelt violations. The potential for facial recognition technology for identifying missing or wanted individuals is also planned, although this feature has not yet been implemented.

      The units will provide public WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity as well. The Katsina government is expected to generate revenue from traffic fines captured by the cameras, with CPG receiving a 20% share after a three-year period. Profits from leasing computing power to AI firms will go into a green bond that supports installation and maintenance.

      Can lamp posts truly substitute traditional data centers?

      Experts believe that iLamps won’t be able to replace conventional data centers for demanding AI workloads due to the distance between lamp posts, which may slow down communication. However, they can be effective access points for lighter AI tasks, functioning similarly to mobile phone towers.

      If negotiations across seven Nigerian states, universities, and institutions are concluded successfully, the total number of iLamp units could exceed 300,000, creating the largest distributed AI compute network in Africa.

      This initiative arises as AI infrastructure continues to stress global resources, with experts warning that it could exacerbate the existing e-waste crisis affecting the planet.

      Manisha is a Writer at Digital Trends, covering the latest tech, science, AI, gaming, and entertainment news.

      How to determine if your Windows PC is prepared for the secure boot certificate expiration in June 2026

      Most individuals do not think about Secure Boot certificates. They operate discreetly within your PC's firmware, performing their function silently since 2011 without requiring much attention. However, this quiet period is set to end soon. The original certificates will expire in June 2026, and while Microsoft is automatically updating many machines, several PCs may not receive this information. Here’s how to check if your PC is among those that need attention—and what steps to take.

      Step 1: Verify if your PC already has the updated certificates

      If you're unfamiliar with Secure Boot certificates, that’s intentional—they function without drawing attention, and for the majority of the last 15 years, they have gone unnoticed. This is about to shift. The original certificates, essential for one of Windows' core security features, are due to expire in June 2026. Depending on your PC model and Windows version, the outcome may range from an easy automatic update to a security issue requiring your intervention.

      Your PC will remain operational, but it may become significantly less secure.

      As the RAM shortage impacts the gaming industry, Nvidia may reintroduce an older RTX 3000 series GPU.

      Nvidia is considering the revival of the GeForce RTX 3060 amid a growing VRAM shortage in the gaming market. Recent leaks and supply chain information suggest that production of the RTX 3060 12GB might restart as early as June 2026, with a possible retail launch in July.

      Old GPU, New Significance.

The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts? The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts? The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts? The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts? The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts? The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts?

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The idea of space data centers may seem far-fetched. But what if we placed them on lamp posts?

A UK company has entered into an agreement with Katsina State in Nigeria to install 50,000 solar-powered smart lamp posts that will collectively act as a distributed AI data center, operating independently of grid electricity.