Tesla Explores Major China Solar Equipment Deal

Tesla is in talks to buy about $2.9 billion worth of solar manufacturing equipment from Chinese suppliers as it pushes to build a large-scale solar production base in the United States.

The discussions involve equipment for making solar panels and cells, with Chinese firms seen as key candidates because of their strong position in global solar machinery. Some of the equipment may require export approval from Chinese authorities before shipment.

The reported move supports Elon Musk’s goal of building 100 gigawatts of solar manufacturing capacity in the U.S. by the end of 2028. Most of that capacity is expected to support Tesla’s own energy needs, while part of it could also be used for SpaceX-related operations.

The potential order also highlights the complexity of reducing U.S. dependence on China, as American clean energy expansion still relies heavily on Chinese industrial equipment. Even with tariffs in place on many solar imports, manufacturing machinery remains difficult to source elsewhere at scale.

If completed, the deal would represent a major boost for Chinese solar equipment makers while strengthening Tesla’s position in U.S. solar manufacturing during a period of rising electricity demand driven by data centers and industrial growth.

China Brain Chip Firm Says It Trails Neuralink by 3 Years

Chinese brain-computer interface company NeuCyber Neurotech said its most advanced brain chip technology is still about three years behind Elon Musk’s Neuralink, highlighting the gap as China accelerates development in the sector.

The company said its latest invasive product, Beinao-2, is still in the animal testing stage, while Neuralink already has more than 20 human trial participants. NeuCyber’s executives said the next steps include early clinical studies and then larger human trials before the technology can move closer to commercial use.

China recently approved its first invasive brain-computer interface device for commercial use, showing how quickly the country is trying to expand in the field. Beijing has also elevated brain-computer interfaces to a priority strategic industry alongside quantum technology and embodied AI.

NeuCyber has already implanted its earlier Beinao-1 system in several patients, including individuals with severe paralysis, and said some users showed improvement in hand movement and computer control. The company aims to broaden trials further this year as it works toward regulatory approval.

The update reflects China’s wider effort to narrow the gap with leading global brain chip developers while building a domestic market for advanced neurotechnology.

Ecolab Buys CoolIT for $4.75B to Target AI Cooling Demand

Ecolab has agreed to acquire liquid cooling specialist CoolIT Systems from KKR for approximately $4.75 billion in cash, aiming to expand its presence in the fast-growing AI data center market.

The deal comes as technology companies increase investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, driving demand for advanced cooling solutions. Traditional air cooling is being replaced by liquid-based systems that can handle higher chip densities and energy loads.

CoolIT provides liquid cooling technology to major industry players, including chipmakers such as Nvidia and AMD. Its systems are widely used by hyperscale and colocation data center operators.

Ecolab expects the acquisition to strengthen its capabilities by combining CoolIT’s hardware and thermal engineering expertise with its own strengths in water management, chemistry and digital monitoring. This integration is expected to position the company as a more comprehensive provider of cooling and fluid management solutions.

CoolIT is projected to generate around $550 million in revenue over the next year. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026 and contribute positively to Ecolab’s earnings per share by 2028.