The AI company xAI, founded by Elon Musk, recently informed planners in Memphis city and county that it plans to build a solar power station next to its Colossus data center in Memphis. The project will cover 88 acres, located to the west and south of the data center. According to preliminary estimates, the solar power station will have a generation capacity of about 30 megawatts, accounting for roughly 10% of the data center's expected electricity consumption.

xAI has faced criticism for operating over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without permits. According to a report by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), the company has been operating at least 35 turbines, emitting more than 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxides (NOX) annually, which negatively affects air quality. In the Boxtown community near Memphis, research found that nitrogen dioxide levels in the surrounding areas increased by 79% after xAI started operations. Community activists reported a significant increase in asthma and respiratory issues since the data center opened.

Despite strong community opposition, xAI said it will continue using these turbines until it finds other power sources. Currently, local officials have allowed xAI to operate 15 turbines, with the permit valid until January 2027. xAI had previously stated in September that it plans to build a 100-megawatt solar power station, equipped with 100 megawatts of grid-scale battery storage, to provide round-the-clock power.

Although the total cost of the project has not yet been disclosed, the developer responsible for building the solar power station, Seven States Power Corporation, has received $439 million in funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including $414 million in interest-free loans. This federal funding has drawn attention, as many clean energy grants and loans were canceled during the Trump administration.

Meanwhile, xAI has added natural gas turbines in Mississippi to power its Colossus 2 data center. Currently, 59 turbines have been installed on site, with 18 of them considered temporary equipment, so regulatory agencies are not monitoring their emissions.

Key points:   

🌞 xAI plans to build a 30-megawatt solar power station, covering 88 acres, near its Colossus data center in Memphis.   

⚠️ xAI has been criticized for operating over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without permits, leading to declining air quality in nearby communities.   

💰 Seven States Power Corporation has received $439 million in funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to build a 100-megawatt solar power station and battery storage project.