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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 Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.