musk’s xai to build small solar farm adjacent to colossus data center

xAI's Solar Farm Plans Near Colossus Data Center

xAI, the artificial intelligence company established by Elon Musk, recently informed Memphis city and county planners of its intention to construct a solar farm adjacent to its Colossus data center. This facility ranks among the largest globally dedicated to the training of AI models.

Project Details and Capacity

The proposed solar farm will encompass an area of 88 acres, situated to the west and south of the data center. The site is bordered by a 136-acre vacant lot under the same ownership as the Colossus property. Based on its planned size, the solar installation is projected to generate approximately 30 megawatts of electricity.

However, this output represents only around 10% of the Colossus data center’s total estimated power consumption.

Environmental Concerns and Turbine Operations

xAI has faced scrutiny regarding the operation of over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without the necessary permits, as reported by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC).

The SELC, collaborating with the NAACP, alleges that xAI has been operating at least 35 turbines. These turbines are capable of releasing over 2,000 tons of NO_X pollution annually – nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to smog and respiratory ailments.

Community Impact in Boxtown

The operation of these turbines has generated significant opposition from residents of Boxtown, a predominantly Black community. Research conducted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, revealed a 79% increase in peak nitrogen dioxide concentration levels in areas surrounding the data center following xAI’s commencement of operations.

Local community activists have documented a rise in asthma attacks and respiratory problems since the facility became operational.

Temporary Power Solutions and Permits

xAI has stated its intention to utilize the turbines until sufficient alternative power sources are secured. Currently, local authorities have granted xAI a permit to operate 15 turbines until January 2027.

Larger Solar Project and Funding

In September, xAI announced plans to develop a 100-megawatt solar farm in the vicinity. This will be coupled with 100 megawatts of grid-scale batteries to ensure a consistent, 24/7 electricity supply.

While the total project cost remains undisclosed, the solar farm’s developer, Seven States Power Corporation, has been awarded $439 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. This funding includes a $414 million interest-free loan.

Federal Funding Context

This federal award is particularly noteworthy considering the cancellation of numerous clean energy grants and loans by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy during the Trump administration.

Expansion to Mississippi

Concurrently, xAI has been adding gas turbines in Mississippi to power its Colossus 2 data center. Currently, 59 turbines are on-site, with the company designating 18 of them as temporary. This designation means their pollution levels are not subject to regulatory tracking.