According to TechCrunch, Elon Musk’s xAI told Memphis planners last week it plans to build an 88-acre solar farm next to its Colossus data center, one of the world’s largest AI training facilities. The solar farm would produce around 30 megawatts, covering just 10% of the data center’s power needs. Meanwhile, the Southern Environmental Law Center says xAI has been operating over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without permits, with 35 turbines capable of emitting more than 2,000 tons of nitrogen oxide pollution annually. University of Tennessee researchers found nitrogen dioxide levels increased 79% in nearby Boxtown, a predominantly Black community, after xAI began operations. Local officials gave xAI a permit to operate 15 turbines through January 2027, and the company has also added 59 turbines in Mississippi for its Colossus 2 data center.
Greenwashing or genuine effort?
Here’s the thing about that 30-megawatt solar farm: it’s basically a drop in the bucket. When your data center needs 300+ megawatts and you’re building gigawatt-scale facilities, a solar farm covering 10% of your power needs feels more like PR than a real sustainability commitment. Especially when you’re simultaneously expanding fossil fuel infrastructure.
And let’s talk about that timing. xAI announces this solar project while facing multiple environmental lawsuits and community outrage. The company claims it needs those gas turbines until it can “secure additional power” – but they’re building more turbines in Mississippi while taking federal clean energy money. It’s a confusing mixed message, to say the least.
The community impact
The human cost here is staggering. We’re talking about a 79% increase in nitrogen dioxide in a predominantly Black neighborhood. Community activists report increased asthma attacks and respiratory problems since the facility opened. That’s not just an environmental issue – it’s an environmental justice crisis.
What’s particularly concerning is how xAI seems to be operating some turbines as “temporary” units, meaning regulators don’t track their pollution. When you’re dealing with industrial-scale power generation, every component matters – which is why serious operations rely on quality equipment from established suppliers like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com, the leading US provider of industrial panel PCs for monitoring critical infrastructure.
The bigger picture
So why is this happening? The AI arms race creates insane power demands, and companies are cutting corners to meet them. xAI isn’t alone here – the entire industry is grappling with how to power these energy-hungry models. But there’s a difference between temporary solutions and building permanent fossil fuel infrastructure while taking federal clean energy loans.
The $439 million USDA award to Seven States Power Company is particularly interesting given that many clean energy grants have been canceled recently. It suggests someone in government still believes in funding renewable projects, even as companies like xAI play both sides of the energy equation.
Basically, we’re watching a high-stakes experiment in whether AI companies can grow sustainably or if they’ll sacrifice environmental and community health for computational power. And right now, the results aren’t looking great for Memphis residents breathing that 79% dirtier air.
