"Artificial intelligence startup xAI, founded by Elon Musk, told city and county planners in Memphis last week that it plans to build a solar farm next to its Colossus data center - one of the world's largest facilities for training AI models. The project would occupy 88 acres to the west and south of the data center. A 136-acre vacant lot owned by the developer that also owns the Colossus property currently borders the site."
"XAI has come under fire for operating over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines without permits, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC). The legal organization, which is working with the NAACP, says that xAI has operated at least 35 turbines capable of emitting more than 2,000 tons of NO X pollution - nitrogen oxide emissions that contribute to smog and respiratory problems - annually."
"The turbines have sparked fierce opposition from residents in nearby Boxtown, a predominantly Black community where researchers at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, found that peak nitrogen dioxide concentration levels increased by 79% in areas immediately surrounding the data center after xAI began operations. Community activists have reported increased asthma attacks and respiratory issues since the facility opened. The AI company has said that it intends to use the turbines until it can secure additional power."
xAI plans to build an 88-acre solar farm west and south of its Colossus data center, adjacent to a 136-acre vacant lot owned by the same developer. The 88-acre project would likely produce about 30 megawatts, roughly 10% of the data center's estimated power use. The company has operated more than 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines; the Southern Environmental Law Center alleges at least 35 turbines capable of emitting over 2,000 tons of NO X annually. Researchers found peak nitrogen dioxide concentrations rose 79% near the facility after operations, and residents report increased respiratory problems. xAI says it will continue using turbines until additional power is secured and received a permit to operate 15 turbines through January 2027. In September, xAI announced plans for a separate 100-megawatt solar farm paired with 100 megawatts of grid-scale batteries; Seven States Power Company received $439 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Read at TechCrunch
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