solar power

Elon Musk's xAI has shifted from solar power to natural gas for energy, while SpaceX focuses on orbital data centers instead of the previously promised solar-electric economy. This strategic pivot signals potential increased demand for natural gas infrastructure and raises questions about renewable energy commitments in the AI sector.

Richards Bay Minerals, part of Rio Tinto, is now receiving electricity from a newly commissioned solar farm in Limpopo for its KwaZulu-Natal mineral sands operations. This arrangement demonstrates how major mining companies are securing renewable energy across provincial boundaries to power critical mineral extraction operations.

One NZ installed a 90kW rooftop solar system at its Christchurch data center that can cover most power needs for the facility and adjacent cell tower. This deployment demonstrates how telecommunications companies are integrating renewable energy to reduce operational costs and carbon footprint.