By Craig Hale
Publication Date: 2026-05-14 19:15:00
- UK startup wants to bring compute even closer by embedding micro data centers inside lampposts
- Self-destructing Nvidia chips will ensure sensitive information remains private
- Some challenges need to be addressed before this becomes a reality
UK startup Conflow Power Group Limited (CPG) has proposed a major shakeup to the world’s data centers by embedding micro units directly within urban street infrastructure such as lampposts, rather than concentrating compute inside the hyperscale facilities as we know today.
Besides dispersing compute across cheaper and more manageable micro locations, the plan also centers around local solar energy generation and battery backup systems to tackle one of the biggest criticisms data center campuses face – sustainability and environmental impacts.
Under the new proposals, CPG aims to bring AI compute closer to users and devices, which would reduce latency and ease pressure on national telecoms infrastructure.
Future data centers could be located just outside your front door
The BBC reports $2,000 Nvidia AI accelerators could be used instead of high-end and flagship GPUs like H100 and B200 systems, which cost tens of thousands of dollars per unit.
Using self-destructing chips is also a noteworthy addition to the scheme, with Nvidia including firmware locking, encryption and other anti-tampering protections that can effectively disable hardware if compromised,…
