Khaberni - xAI, a subsidiary of Elon Musk, has introduced new plans for the city of Memphis involving the construction of a solar power farm next to the massive data center "Colossus," one of the largest centers in the world for training artificial intelligence models.
The documents indicate that the project will be established on an 88-acre space on the western and southern sides of the center, while currently a 136-acre vacant site neighbors it.
With such a size, the farm is estimated to generate about 30 megawatts of electricity, which only represents about 10% of the center's substantial energy needs.
The company faces severe criticism from environmental organizations, notably the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), which accuses "xAI" of operating more than 400 megawatts of gas turbines without obtaining the necessary permits, according to a report published by "Tech Crunch".
The organization, which is coordinating with the NAACP, says the company has operated more than 35 turbines capable of releasing over 2000 tons of nitrogen oxides annually, emissions that contribute to air pollution and exacerbate respiratory issues.
The operation of these turbines has angered residents of the nearby Buctown area, a majority Black community.
According to research conducted by the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, nitrogen dioxide levels have increased by 79% in areas near the data center since "xAI" began operations.
Residents say they have noticed an increase in asthma attacks and respiratory problems.
Despite the controversy, the company has obtained a permit that allows it to operate 15 turbines until January 2027, affirming that it needs them temporarily until securing additional energy sources.
Plans for clean energy
Last September, "xAI" announced its intention to establish a 100-megawatt solar power farm near the site, to be accompanied by a similar battery capacity to provide stable electricity around the clock.
Although the company has not disclosed the total cost, the developer Seven States Power has obtained funding of 439 million dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including an interest-free loan worth 414 million dollars.
This funding is notable amid the cancellation of many clean energy support programs by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy under the Trump administration.
At the same time, "xAI" is expanding its operations in Mississippi, where it has added dozens of gas turbines to operate the "Colossus 2" center.
According to the documents, there are currently 59 turbines on the site, 18 of which the company considers temporary, meaning that regulatory bodies do not monitor their emissions.
With these developments, "xAI" adds a new layer of controversy around the energy mix of gas and renewable energy, as it prepares to expand one of the largest artificial intelligence facilities in the world.
