Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, is moving forward with plans to power its “Colossus” supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee, using 15 gas turbines. According to an operating permit filed with the Shelby County Health Department, the turbines are set to run continuously from June 2025 through June 2030.
The decision has raised significant environmental concerns due to the turbines’ emission of hazardous air pollutants (HAP), including formaldehyde. Documents obtained by The Commercial Appeal reveal that each turbine is projected to emit 11.51 tons of HAP annually, surpassing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 10-ton cap for a single source.
With 22,000 residents living within five miles of the facility, local environmental advocates are voicing their concerns. Eric Hilt, a spokesperson for the Southern Environmental Law Center, criticized xAI for operating the turbines without public notice or oversight since the summer of 2024.
“It’s another example of the company not being transparent with the community or with local leaders,” Hilt told The Commercial Appeal.
The Shelby County Health Department confirmed that the permits are still under review, with no set timeline for approval. Meanwhile, residents and environmental groups are calling for increased transparency and a thorough assessment of the potential health risks associated with the facility’s emissions.
The debate underscores the growing tension between technological innovation and environmental stewardship, as AI companies seek immense computational power while communities push for corporate accountability and cleaner energy practices.