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Redwood Materials Innovates With Second-Life EV Batteries to Power AI Data Centers

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 5, 2025

Innovating Energy Storage

Amid the surging demand for energy driven by the rise of artificial intelligence, the energy landscape is witnessing transformative shifts. JB Straubel, Tesla co-founder and former technical chief, has taken a radical step forward with Redwood Materials by repurposing used electric vehicle batteries to create an affordable, scalable solution for energy storage.

Redefining Battery Lifecycle Strategies

Initially set up to establish a closed-loop supply chain for the electric vehicle market, Redwood Materials quickly recognized that many returned batteries retained significant energy capacity. Rather than solely focus on recycling, the company has forged a new path by integrating these second-life batteries into microgrid projects. This strategic pivot is aimed at delivering cost-effective energy storage solutions for both new and existing data centers, a critical need as AI workloads escalate.

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Strategic Partnerships and Game-Changing Projects

In its inaugural microgrid initiative, Redwood joined forces with Crusoe, renowned for its expansive AI data center in Abilene, Texas. This collaboration underscores a broader commitment by major industry players—including OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank—to invest massively in AI infrastructure. The microgrid, powered by a 12-megawatt solar array and backed by repurposed EV batteries providing 63 megawatt-hours of capacity, stands as the largest of its kind in North America.

Meeting the Demands of a Booming AI Sector

The implications of this development are profound as the global data center market experiences unprecedented expansion. With projections by Goldman Sachs indicating a 165% surge in power demand by 2030 fueled by AI advancements, the integration of renewable energy storage with AI computing capabilities offers a competitive edge. By combining rapid deployment, scalability, and 24/7 renewable power, Redwood and Crusoe are positioning themselves at the forefront of a market ripe for disruption.

Scaling Up and Competing in a Growing Market

Redwood Materials is building on an inventory of over one gigawatt-hour of reusable batteries—a reserve equivalent to powering thousands of consumer electronics. The company’s vision is ambitious, with plans to engineer projects that scale up to ten times the capacity of the pilot microgrid. As the energy storage market evolves, established players like Tesla with its Megapack and new entrants alike are racing to meet the growing demand. Experts affirm that the rising need for cost-effective storage solutions will encourage further innovation, especially in projects where budget constraints are a key consideration.

A Promising Outlook for the Energy and AI Sectors

As the AI revolution accelerates, the integration of second-life batteries into clean energy microgrids provides a compelling narrative for the future of sustainable energy. Redwood Materials’ innovative approach not only adds value to used batteries but also paves the way for energy independence in a technology-driven era. This strategic realignment represents a significant opportunity for energy storage and data center infrastructure, making it a crucial development to watch in the evolving intersection of sustainability and technological advancement.

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Cyprus Tourism Shows Strength As Clean Monday Hotel Bookings Surge

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Hotels Embrace A Bright Outlook

Recent figures point to growing momentum in hotel reservations ahead of the Clean Monday weekend, signaling renewed confidence in Cyprus’ tourism sector. Christos Angelides, Director of PASYXE, emphasized the positive trend while also underscoring the need to gradually extend the tourism season beyond traditional peak months.

Favorable Conditions And Festive Spirit

Angelides noted that bookings recorded during the past weekend reached encouraging levels, a development attributed to multiple converging factors. The return of sunny weather after prolonged rainfall, coupled with the festive aura of carnival events and children’s parades in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos, has motivated many to opt for short getaways. This seasonal momentum is further boosted by the strategic initiatives of local hotels, many of which are curating special menus for Clean Monday events, offering guests an enhanced stay experience by keeping them on-premise.

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Positioning For The Off-Season

Despite the positive indicators, Angelides cautioned that average occupancy rates of 25%–30% highlight the need for continued innovation rather than complacency. He described the current period as part of a longer process of building winter tourism and pointed to opportunities in conferences, corporate events and niche travel segments as potential drivers of year-round demand.

Expanding Air Connectivity and Collective Ecosystem

Industry expectations are further supported by expanded air connections from established markets such as the United Kingdom and Israel, alongside increased routes from Armenia, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Poland. While recovery in the German market remains gradual, broader improvements in connectivity continue to strengthen overall tourism prospects. Angelides added that sustainable year-round tourism depends on a wider ecosystem that extends beyond accommodation to include restaurants, museums, cultural venues and community events.

The Path Forward

Cyprus continues to benefit from strong competitive advantages in climate, accessibility and hospitality infrastructure. With coordinated planning across tourism stakeholders and consistent investment in diversified offerings, the sector is positioned to contribute more steadily to the national economy and support a more balanced, all-season travel model.