A British firm has signed a deal to transform 50,000 lampposts in Nigeria into a network of solar-powered distributed AI data centres. Conflow Power Group (CPG), based in Warwickshire, says its iLamp units can be linked to provide collective processing power for artificial intelligence tasks while generating revenue.
Each iLamp features a cylindrical solar panel charging batteries that power a low-energy computer chip designed by NVIDIA, suitable for AI workloads. CPG chairman Edward Fitzpatrick explained to the BBC's Tech Life programme that the chip consumes just 15 watts, allowing it to run entirely on solar energy without drawing from the grid.
However, industry experts caution that the lampposts cannot replace large-scale data centres needed for training advanced AI models. Professor Ian Bitterlin, a data centre veteran, raised concerns about physical security. Fitzpatrick acknowledged that the $2,000 units inside could be targets for theft but noted they are designed to be "fried" if tampered with.
The iLamps also function as AI-powered surveillance cameras. In Katsina State, Nigeria, they will detect parking violations, speeding, and seatbelt non-compliance. Cameras at Warwick Hospital car park already provide CCTV and number plate recognition. Fitzpatrick mentioned potential use for facial recognition to locate wanted or missing persons, but privacy advocates worry about bias and misuse. CPG insists it will deploy such features only with proper legal compliance.
Energy consumption of AI systems is rising sharply, with some estimates matching the UK's total usage. John Booth of Carbon3IT suggested the iLamps could serve as a low-cost supplement for small AI applications rather than replacing major data centres. Bitterlin noted that the lampposts could act as access points to larger facilities, similar to mobile phone masts.
Katsina State will profit by leasing the lampposts' processing power to AI companies, with CPG taking a 20% revenue share after three years. Fitzpatrick sees Africa as ideal due to abundant sunshine and favourable regulations. Assembly factories are planned in Morocco, Taiwan, Latvia, and Katsina itself.
Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim Ahmad, Special Adviser on Power and Energy for Katsina State, hailed the initiative as the first distributed AI data centre of its kind in Africa, promising safer streets, crime prevention, free public internet, and new state revenue.