Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence venture, xAI, is under scrutiny for exacerbating air pollution in Memphis, Tennessee, due to the use of unlicensed natural gas turbines at its newly established data center. Environmental and health advocates have raised concerns about the facility’s impact on local air quality, citing the turbines’ emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to the region’s smog issues.
Opened in June within a former Electrolux factory, xAI’s data center has been utilizing at least 18 gas turbines to power its operations, despite lacking the necessary permits. The Southern Environmental Law Center, representing various local groups, has requested an investigation from the Shelby County Health Department and the Environmental Protection Agency. They highlight the turbines’ role in adding to Memphis’s persistent smog problem, which has earned the area an “F” grade from the American Lung Association.
While xAI plans to transition to power supplied by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) and the Tennessee Valley Authority, the utility has only begun providing part of the required 150 megawatts of power. This transition includes infrastructure upgrades to accommodate the increased demand.
Musk, who also leads Tesla and SpaceX, launched xAI in 2023 to develop AI technologies intended to rival those from major players like Google and Microsoft. The company’s data center requires substantial power for its AI models, including the new chatbot Grok.
The turbines, some visible from public roads, are said to emit significant levels of NOx, which can irritate respiratory systems and lead to serious health problems. Permits for such equipment are typically mandated in Tennessee to regulate emissions and ensure environmental safety. However, xAI’s turbines, with a combined capacity to emit 130 tons of NOx annually, have reportedly not been subjected to these regulatory measures.
Advocates express frustration over the lack of transparency and public input regarding the xAI project, emphasizing its already substantial environmental and health impacts. This situation follows a pattern of Musk-led ventures facing similar regulatory issues, including SpaceX’s unpermitted wastewater discharges and The Boring Co.’s unauthorized wastewater releases.