Memphis, TN – Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, is facing criticism over its plan to power its “Colossus” supercomputer with 15 gas turbines in Memphis, Tennessee.
The company has applied for an operating permit with the Shelby County Health Department, seeking approval to run the turbines continuously from June 2025 to June 2030.
Environmental concerns have emerged after reports revealed that the turbines, which are over 20 years old, emit hazardous air pollutants (HAP), including formaldehyde, at levels exceeding federal limits.
According to documents obtained by The Commercial Appeal, the facility’s permit application states that each turbine emits 11.51 tons of HAP annually—above the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 10-ton limit per source. The publication also noted that around 22,000 people live within a five-mile radius of the site.
Critics have raised alarms over the fact that the turbines have already been in operation since mid-2024 without public notification or regulatory oversight. Eric Hilt, a spokesperson for the Southern Environmental Law Center, accused xAI of failing to be transparent with the community and local officials.
In response, the Shelby County Health Department clarified that the permit has not yet been approved and that no timeline has been set for a decision.