Why xAI's Colossus supercomputer is raising environmental concerns in US
What's the story
Elon Musk's artificial intelligence venture, xAI, has applied to the Shelby County Health Department for continuous operation of 15 gas turbines.
The turbines would power its "Colossus" supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee.
If the permit is approved, the turbines would be used non-stop from June 2025 to June 2030.
The Commercial Appeal, a news outlet which obtained the documents, has raised environmental concerns.
Environmental impact
Turbines' emissions exceed EPA's annual limit
Reportedly, the two-decade-old turbines are emitting hazardous air pollutants (HAP), including formaldehyde, at levels exceeding the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 10-ton annual limit for a single source. According to the facility's operating permit reports, each turbine emits 11.51 tons of HAP annually.
Public safety
Supercomputer's proximity to residential area raises health concerns
The facility where the supercomputer is housed is within 8km of a neighborhood, which is home to around 22,000 people. This closeness has heightened health concerns over the turbine emissions.
Eric Hilt of the Southern Environmental Law Center, a leading environmental nonprofit, disclosed that these turbines have been running since summer 2024 without any public notice or oversight.
Information disclosure
Criticism over xAI's lack of transparency
Hilt slammed xAI for not being transparent with the local community and leaders about the turbine emissions. Meanwhile, the Shelby County Health Department confirmed that the permits for continuous turbine use are yet to be approved and there is no timeline for approval yet.