Elon Musk’s xAI has been authorized by Mississippi officials to run 41 methane gas turbines at its Southaven datacenter. The “Colossus 2” facility will now have double the number of turbines it had previously been using to power its AI supercomputers. This development comes as a significant blow to local residents who have fought against the project for months.
The turbines are essential to provide the constant power needed for the advanced chips that run Grok. Because the local grid cannot support the massive electrical load, xAI has turned to on-site gas generation. This ensures that the supercomputers can operate at peak performance, which is vital for xAI’s competitive standing.
The MDEQ’s decision has been met with fierce criticism from the NAACP, which claims the state “silenced” the community. Hundreds of citizens attended a public hearing to voice concerns about pollution and noise, yet the permit was granted anyway. Many describe the expansion as an “industrial surge” that does not belong in a residential neighborhood.
The health risks associated with methane turbines are well-documented, including the release of fine particulate matter and formaldehyde. Organizations like the American Lung Association have already given the area an “F” grade for air quality. Critics argue that the addition of 41 turbines will make Colossus 2 one of the state’s biggest polluters.
With xAI already working on its next facility, “Macrohardrr,” the scale of Musk’s industrial presence is set to grow even further. The conflict between the AI industry’s energy needs and environmental protection is reaching a boiling point. The NAACP’s lawsuit remains the primary tool for those seeking to halt or modify the project.