xAI wins approval for Mississippi gas plant
Mississippi regulators authorise a 41-turbine gas plant to supply energy for xAI data centres despite local concerns.
Image for illustrative purposes / Credit: JRdes, Shutterstock.com
USA, Mississippi: xAI, the artificial intelligence company now owned by SpaceX, has received approval from Mississippi regulators to build a power plant in Southaven featuring 41 natural gas turbines to supply its nearby data centres. The decision came from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), which said the permit met all legal and technical requirements.
The approval sparked protests from residents and advocacy groups, including the NAACP and the Southern Environmental Law Center, who raised concerns about air and noise pollution. Critics also argued the permit process conflicted with Election Day voting and that the company had previously operated temporary turbines without federal permits.
Opponents highlighted potential emissions of nitrogen oxides, formaldehyde, and particulate matter, arguing that xAI understated the environmental impact in its application and failed to engage adequately with the community. Local resident Jason Haley, part of the Safe & Sound coalition, said ongoing turbine noise has disrupted the area.
xAI has been operating temporary turbines for months to power its Colossus 1 and Colossus 2 data centres across the Tennessee border, and plans to expand with another large facility called Macrohardrr in Southaven. The company did not comment on the permit, while regulators emphasised that all legal and technical requirements were satisfied.
Advocates plan to challenge the company in court, arguing that the facility poses health risks and violates environmental regulations. The project reflects the growing tension between energy-intensive tech operations and local environmental and public health concerns.
Source: CNBC
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