Questions, concerns continue over natural gas turbines powering XAI facility in Memphis
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A multi-million-dollar tech investment in Memphis is drawing national attention, not just for its innovation but for the growing questions surrounding energy use, air quality, and transparency.
On Tuesday, the Greater Memphis Chamber hosted a virtual event aimed at easing public concerns about the xAI supercomputer facilities in the Whitehaven and Boxtown neighborhoods. The project, which includes what could become one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world, has prompted a wave of debate over how it will be powered and the potential impact on nearby communities.
Last week, the Shelby County Health Department approved a permit for 15 permanent natural gas turbines. According to xAI, these turbines are designed as a backup power source for the facility. Experts say the emissions from the new turbines will be some of the lowest in the country.
“As far as permanent stationary turbines, those have to meet a stationary limit of 25 parts per million of NOx, and the level that those will be controlled down to will be two parts per million, which is unheard of in this country,” said Shannon Lynn, a Clean Air Act expert.
Previously, the company used temporary gas turbines that faced backlash for lacking adequate emissions control. Lynn noted the new turbines could become a national model for cleaner energy use.
“It has a ripple, a residual impact that is positive not only for that immediate area but for other areas where there is air in non-attainment status,” Lynn added.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some residents and local leaders have expressed concern over the long-term health effects and whether the community was given a fair opportunity to weigh in.
“They are hurting people. They should not have approved that,” said Easter Knox, who lives nearby.
Bobby White with the Greater Memphis Chamber defended the project, saying xAI has followed all local, state, and federal regulations, and has not relied on taxpayer incentives or zoning changes.
“Our thing is, we’re here to defend the project and remind folks that they are abiding by existing policy,” White said. “What this company represents and the magnetism of the indirect jobs that will come our way, it represents a sea change in us reshaping our narrative as a city.”
The chamber also addressed concerns over water use, which is often raised with large data centers. They say xAI has installed a closed-loop cooling system and is investing $80 million in a new water recycling facility. Temporary turbines, chamber officials say, will be phased out by the end of the year as permanent electric substations come online.
As the project moves forward, it continues to spark passionate conversations, not just about technology and growth, but about the future of energy policy in Memphis.
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