Elon Musk's xAI has secured a permit to power its supercomputer facility in Memphis, Tennessee, using natural gas-burning turbines. The Shelby County Health Department issued the permit on July 2, despite months of protests and public hearings where local residents expressed concerns about air quality issues linked to the turbines.
The permit allows xAI to operate 15 turbines at the site, with formal emissions limits, testing requirements, and deadlines. The company will face daily fines of up to $10,000 per violation for non-compliance. However, a satellite image from July 1 showed at least 24 turbines still at the xAI site, exceeding the permitted number of 15.
Local residents have reported poor air quality and difficulty keeping windows open or exercising outdoors due to the stench from the turbines. The turbines emit nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde, among other pollutants, posing health risks to nearby communities.
xAI claims its onsite power generation will be equipped with state-of-the-art emissions control technology, making this facility the lowest emitting of its kind in the country. The company is also seeking to build an even larger datacenter near Colossus, with plans to invest in water conservation, carbon reduction, and cooling innovation.
The development has sparked controversy, with concerns about the environmental impact and health risks associated with the turbines. Despite these concerns, xAI is moving forward with its plans to power its supercomputer facility using natural gas-burning turbines.
