Elon Musk’s AI venture, xAI, is set to launch a solar farm adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, a facility recognized as one of the largest data centers globally dedicated to training AI models. This new project will span 88 acres, positioned to the west and south of the existing data center. Currently, a 136-acre vacant parcel owned by xAI borders this site, with the solar installation expected to generate approximately 30 megawatts of electricity—about 10% of the energy consumption anticipated for the data center.
xAI has faced scrutiny for its reliance on over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines, which, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), lack proper permits. This legal advocacy group, in collaboration with the NAACP, alleges that xAI operates 35 turbines capable of emitting over 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOX) pollution annually, contributing to smog and respiratory challenges in the area.
Residents in the nearby Boxtown community, predominantly African American, have expressed concern over rising asthma attacks and respiratory issues since xAI’s operations commenced. Researchers from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, recorded a significant 79% spike in nitrogen dioxide concentrations in regions surrounding the data center following its launch. Although xAI has stated its intention to utilize the turbines until alternative power sources are established, it received a permit to operate 15 turbines until January 2027.
In September, xAI announced an ambitious plan to build a 100-megawatt solar farm in the vicinity, complemented by an equal capacity of grid-scale battery storage to ensure a continuous power supply. While the total investment in this project remains undisclosed, it received $439 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including a substantial interest-free loan of $414 million.
This federal support is particularly noteworthy as many clean energy grants and loans were previously revoked during the Trump administration. Concurrently, xAI has brought additional gas turbines to Mississippi for its Colossus 2 data center, mounting 59 turbines onsite, though 18 are categorized as temporary and thus not subject to pollution tracking by regulators.
Key Points:
- xAI’s New Solar Farm: 88-acre installation adjacent to Colossus.
- Electricity Production: Expected to generate 30 megawatts.
- Environmental Concerns: Over 2,000 tons of NOX pollution annually from gas turbines.
- Community Impact: Increased asthma and respiratory issues reported by residents.
- Future Plans: 100-megawatt solar project with grid-scale batteries backed by significant federal funding.
