Elon Musk’s xAI Plans Major Solar Farm for Memphis Data Center Hub

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence firm, xAI, is planning a new solar farm in Memphis. The project was revealed to city and county planners last week. It will be built beside the massive Colossus data center.

This move comes as the company faces scrutiny over its current energy use. According to TechCrunch, xAI has been operating numerous gas turbines without proper permits. The new solar farm aims to provide a cleaner power source for its AI operations.

Solar Project Details and Community Impact

The proposed solar installation will cover 88 acres. It will sit directly next to the Colossus data center site. This facility is one of the largest of its kind for training AI models.

Experts estimate the solar farm could generate around 30 megawatts. This would only meet about 10% of the data center’s massive power needs. The rest must come from other sources.

Nearby communities have reported health concerns. The Southern Environmental Law Center states xAI operates over 400 megawatts of gas turbines. These turbines reportedly emit significant nitrogen oxide pollution.

A Broader Push for Clean Energy

This new project is part of a larger green energy initiative. xAI announced a separate 100-megawatt solar farm back in September. That project will be paired with large-scale battery storage.

The developer, Seven States Power Company, secured major federal funding. It received a $439 million award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Most of this is an interest-free loan.

This federal support is significant. Many clean energy grants have been canceled under the current administration. The investment highlights the growing demand for powering AI infrastructure sustainably.

The new xAI solar farm in Memphis represents a critical step toward sustainable AI development. This project highlights the immense energy demands of modern artificial intelligence. It also underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing technological growth with environmental responsibility.

Info at your fingertips

How much power will the new xAI solar farm produce?

The proposed 88-acre solar farm is estimated to produce around 30 megawatts. This is only a fraction of the Colossus data center’s total energy requirements. It would cover roughly 10% of the facility’s power needs.

Why is xAI’s Memphis data center controversial?

The facility has drawn criticism for its use of natural gas turbines. Reports indicate these turbines were operated without proper permits. Nearby residents have reported increased respiratory health issues since the center opened.

What is the larger solar project xAI announced?

In September, xAI announced plans for a separate 100-megawatt solar farm. This larger project will be paired with 100 megawatts of grid-scale batteries. The goal is to create a 24/7 renewable power source.

How is the solar farm project being funded?

The project developer, Seven States Power, was awarded $439 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The funding package includes a $414 million interest-free loan. This federal investment is notable in the current political climate.

Are there other xAI data centers using similar power sources?

Yes, xAI is also using gas turbines at its Colossus 2 data center in Mississippi. Reports indicate 59 turbines are currently on site. Regulators do not track pollution from the 18 units classified as temporary.