Solar-Powered Smart Lamp Posts: Nigeria’s AI Data Center Solution

Space-based data centers might sound futuristic, but a UK company is taking a more grounded approach. Instead of launching servers into orbit, Conflow Power Group (CPG) is turning ordinary street lamp posts into a distributed AI computing network. The twist? They are doing it in Nigeria, starting with a deal signed with Katsina State Government.

These aren’t your average lamp posts. Each unit, called an iLamp, runs entirely on solar power captured by a cylindrical panel. A small battery stores energy, and a low-power Nvidia chip—drawing just 15 watts—handles AI tasks. No grid connection is needed, making them ideal for areas with unreliable electricity.

CPG plans to deploy 50,000 iLamps across Katsina State initially. Networked together, they would deliver 13.75 petaOPS of combined computing power. Compare that to a traditional data center, which typically requires 300 megawatts of grid power, millions of liters of cooling water, and years to build. These lamp posts just need sunlight and a pole.

What else can these lamp posts actually do?

Beyond crunching numbers, each iLamp is a multi-purpose smart city device. Cameras mounted on the posts can monitor traffic: detecting speeding vehicles, parking violations, and seatbelt non-compliance. Facial recognition for identifying wanted or missing persons is on the roadmap, though no such deployment exists yet.

Public WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity are also built in, turning lamp posts into communication hubs. Katsina State will earn revenue from traffic fines captured by the cameras, with CPG taking a 20% share after three years. Income from renting out computing power to AI companies is funneled into a green bond that funds installation and maintenance.

This model creates a self-sustaining loop: fines and compute rental pay for the infrastructure, while the community gains free WiFi and safer roads. It is a clever way to fund smart city upgrades without draining government budgets.

Can lamp posts really replace data centers?

Experts caution that iLamps won’t replace conventional data centers for heavy AI workloads. The distance between posts makes communication too slow for demanding tasks like training large language models. However, they could serve as useful access points for lighter AI tasks, functioning similarly to mobile phone masts.

Think of them as edge computing nodes. They can process data locally—like analyzing traffic footage or running inference on small AI models—without sending everything to a central server. This reduces latency and bandwidth usage, making them ideal for real-time applications.

If all ongoing negotiations across seven Nigerian states, universities, and institutions are finalized, the total network could exceed 300,000 iLamp units. That would form the largest distributed AI compute network on the African continent, offering a scalable alternative to massive data centers.

AI infrastructure and the e-waste challenge

All of this comes as AI infrastructure continues to strain global resources. Experts warn that the rapid deployment of AI hardware could significantly worsen the e-waste crisis already choking the planet. Traditional data centers generate enormous amounts of electronic waste when servers are replaced every few years.

The iLamp approach might offer a greener path. Solar power eliminates grid demand, and the low-power chips produce less heat, reducing cooling needs. However, the long-term sustainability of these units depends on their durability and recyclability. CPG has not yet disclosed details about end-of-life disposal plans.

In the meantime, Nigeria’s experiment with solar-powered smart lamp posts could become a blueprint for other regions facing power shortages and digital infrastructure gaps. It is a reminder that sometimes the most innovative solutions are not in space, but on our streets.

For more on how distributed computing is reshaping infrastructure, check out our article on edge computing benefits. Learn about solar-powered IoT devices and their role in smart cities. Also, explore digital transformation in Africa.

Academy Confirms AI Cannot Win Oscars for Acting or Writing: What It Means for Filmmakers

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has finally spoken clearly: AI cannot win Oscars for acting or writing. In its updated 99th Academy Awards rulebook, the organization explicitly states that only human contributions will be considered for the most prestigious creative categories. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate about artificial intelligence in Hollywood.

Human Performance Takes Center Stage

Under the new guidelines, only performances “demonstrably performed by humans with their consent” are eligible for acting awards. This means that any AI-generated or synthetic performance, no matter how realistic, cannot receive an Oscar. The rule requires that roles be credited in the film’s official billing, ensuring that the human actor behind the role is recognized.

Furthermore, the Academy has drawn a firm line in writing categories. To qualify for Best Original Screenplay or Best Adapted Screenplay, a film must have an explicitly credited human writer. The rulebook emphasizes that the screenplay must be “human-authored,” effectively shutting the door on scripts generated entirely by AI systems.

What About AI-Assisted Films?

It is important to note that the Academy has not banned the use of AI tools in filmmaking. Generative AI and other digital technologies can still be used during production, from de-aging actors to generating visual effects. However, their presence alone does not influence a film’s chances of nomination or winning.

Instead, voters will evaluate the degree of human authorship when assessing a film. If questions arise about how AI was used, the Academy reserves the right to request additional details from filmmakers. This approach balances technological innovation with the preservation of human creativity.

Why This Decision Matters for Hollywood

The clarification comes at a time when AI is becoming increasingly common in the creative industries. From script generation to performance enhancement, AI tools are reshaping how films are made. However, the Academy’s decision establishes a clear boundary: awards should celebrate human achievement, not machine output.

This move also addresses heated debates around authorship and originality. By setting these rules now, the Academy is attempting to maintain the integrity of its awards while still allowing room for innovation. As one industry insider noted, “The Oscars are about human storytelling, and that isn’t changing anytime soon.”

Impact on Filmmakers and Studios

For filmmakers, the message is straightforward: AI can be a tool, but not a credited creator. Productions that rely heavily on AI for writing or performance may face challenges in qualifying for certain categories unless human involvement remains central. This could shape how studios approach AI in future projects, encouraging a focus on human collaboration rather than automation.

Looking ahead, these rules could evolve as technology advances. The Academy may revisit its guidelines, but for now, the Oscars remain firmly focused on celebrating human creativity. Learn more about AI in film production and how it affects your next project.

What This Means for the Future of Cinema

Ultimately, the Academy’s decision reinforces a core principle: the Oscars honor human artistry. While AI can assist in filmmaking, it cannot replace the emotional depth, nuance, and originality that come from human performers and writers. This is a win for those who believe that storytelling is fundamentally a human endeavor.

As the industry adapts to new technological possibilities, the line between tool and creator will continue to blur. However, the Academy has made its position clear. For now, AI cannot win Oscars, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. Check the latest Oscar eligibility rules for more details on qualifying your film.

In summary, the Academy’s rules send a strong signal: human creativity remains at the heart of cinema. Whether you are a filmmaker, a writer, or a fan, this decision reaffirms the value of authentic human expression in an increasingly digital world.

ChatGPT Just Landed Ads. Now, Google Won’t Rule Out Ads in Gemini App, Of Course

OpenAI recently began testing advertisements inside ChatGPT, sparking a broader conversation about whether AI chatbots can monetize through ads without alienating users. Now, Google has signaled that its own Gemini app may eventually follow a similar path. During Alphabet’s Q1 2026 earnings call, Google Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler addressed the possibility directly, leaving the door wide open.

Google’s Measured Response on Gemini Ads

When asked about advertising in the Gemini app, Schindler kept his answer cautious. He explained that Google’s current priorities are the free tier, subscriptions, and AI plans. The company is first focusing on monetizing AI Mode in Search. However, he added a key caveat: if Google finds an ad format that works well in AI Mode, the same concept could eventually be applied to Gemini.

Schindler reminded listeners that ads have historically helped Google scale products to billions of users—as long as they are useful and shown at the right moment. This gives Google a familiar argument if Gemini ads arrive later: advertising can keep a widely used product free. But the company insists it is not rushing that move.

Why AI Companies Are Turning to Advertising Now

This push toward ads ultimately comes down to cost. AI chatbots require expensive computing power every time they generate a response, especially at the scale of hundreds of millions of free users. Subscriptions help, but they may not be enough on their own. Ads provide another way to fund free access without locking every major AI feature behind a paid plan. Users may not like that trade-off, but it explains why OpenAI is testing ads and why Google is leaving Gemini open to the same path.

As a result, the industry is watching closely. OpenAI is already experimenting with ad placements inside ChatGPT, and early results could shape how Google proceeds. Both companies face similar challenges: balancing user experience with revenue generation.

Why Google Is Moving Carefully with Gemini Ads

Google’s slow approach makes sense, given that even OpenAI is still working through the tricky parts of putting ads inside chatbots. A recent report suggested that tracking ad performance in an AI chatbot could be harder than in regular Search. In Search, a query like “best laptop under $1,000” shows clear buying intent. In AI chatbots, that same decision can stretch across comparisons, follow-up questions, and budget changes. This makes it harder for advertisers to tell whether the ad actually helped drive a click or purchase, or whether it simply appeared during the chat without changing the outcome.

Building on this, Google has other reasons to move slowly. Search is still growing, and AI seems to be helping that growth. Schindler noted that people are asking more queries than ever. He pointed to AI Overviews, AI Mode, Lens, Circle to Search, Search Live, and AI-driven search ads as examples of how Google is adding AI across Search without replacing its core business. For more on how AI is reshaping search, read our guide on AI search trends in 2026.

The Challenge of Ad Measurement in Chatbots

One major hurdle remains measurement. In traditional search, advertisers can easily track conversions. In a conversational AI, the user journey is less linear. A person might ask follow-up questions, change their mind, or delay a purchase. This complexity makes it difficult to attribute success to a specific ad. Therefore, both Google and OpenAI are testing formats that feel natural within a dialogue, rather than intrusive.

Additionally, user tolerance for ads in chatbots is unknown. Early feedback from ChatGPT’s test suggests that some users find contextual ads helpful, while others view them as disruptive. Google will likely study this data before rolling out anything in Gemini. For a deeper dive, check out our analysis of ChatGPT’s ad experience so far.

What This Means for Users

In conclusion, the arrival of ads in AI chatbots seems inevitable. The economics of running large language models at scale demand new revenue streams. Subscriptions alone cannot cover the costs for billions of free users. Ads offer a way to keep core features accessible while generating income. However, the execution must be careful. If ads feel intrusive or irrelevant, users may abandon the platform.

On the other hand, if companies like Google and OpenAI get it right—showing useful, well-timed ads within natural conversations—they could create a sustainable model that benefits everyone. For now, both companies are experimenting cautiously. The next few months will reveal whether ChatGPT ads tested the waters successfully, and whether Gemini will follow suit.