Elon Musk’s xAI adds more unpermitted gas generators for data centers

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Elon Musk’s data center company, xAI, has more than doubled the number of unchecked natural gas generators at its Southaven facility since coming to Mississippi last summer.

The company uses the turbines to power its two data centers just across the state line in Memphis, and is also planning to build another large center in Southaven. XAI now has 46 ​“temporary-mobile” turbines at its Mississippi facility, according to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, up from 18 turbines when it first arrived last year.

The NAACP, which filed a lawsuit against xAI last month over the turbines’ lack of permits, last week requested an injunction after learning xAI had increased the number of temporary-mobile turbines to 33. MDEQ later confirmed to Mississippi Today that the actual number was 46.

Because the state considers them ​“mobile” turbines — they’re attached to flatbed trailers — MDEQ allows xAI to run the generators without an air permit for up to a year. But Southaven residents and advocates have pushed back, expressing concerns over unchecked air emissions and constant noise from the generators. Without permits, the state has no way to measure the toxic releases coming from the facility.

Lawyers from the Southern Environmental Law Center, representing the NAACP in its lawsuit, argue Mississippi is misinterpreting the federal Clean Air Act by allowing xAI to bypass the permit process. Language from the law appears to support their argument that the turbines should be considered ​“stationary,” and thus subject to permit requirements. It defines a stationary turbine as ​“not self-propelled or intended to be propelled while performing its function. It may, however, be mounted on a vehicle for portability.”

MDEQ said xAI added 19 temporary-mobile turbines between March 25 and May 2. MDEQ told Mississippi Today on May 6 that xAI notified the agency of the additions ​“this week,” but also said xAI is not required to tell the agency when it brings on more such generators.

When asked if there is any concern about the combined emissions from the growing cluster of turbines, MDEQ said it is monitoring the development.

“As indicated by the facility, all portable/​temporary turbines are equipped with control technology to minimize emissions,” agency spokesperson Jan Schaefer said via e-mail. ​“MDEQ is evaluating the situation and will make the facility aware as to when it can no longer bring additional portable/​temporary turbines on-site.”

In a press release last week, the Southern Environment Law Center said the turbines have the potential to ​“emit a staggering amount of toxic air pollution.”

“Toxic emissions from the facility threaten to do long-lasting harm to nearby communities,” the release said. ​“Pollution from gas turbines includes smog-forming nitrogen oxides, fine particulate matter and hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde. These pollutants are tied to increases in asthma, respiratory diseases, heart problems and certain cancers.”

In addition to the temporary-mobile turbines, the state permit board in March approved air permits for 41 permanent gas generators at xAI’s Southaven operation. The SELC appealed the decision last month, requesting a hearing on the matter.