xAI, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence venture, has begun the process of demobilizing some of its natural gas turbines at its South Memphis site, formerly an Electrolux location. The company announced that its Phase I operation reached full capacity last Thursday, with 150MW of power being supplied by a new electric substation supported by Memphis Light, Gas and Water and the Tennessee Valley Authority, according to WREG.
The Greater Memphis Chamber shared with Action News 5 that a move is underway as part of a larger plan. "About half of the operating turbines will remain operating to power Phase II GPUs of xAI until a second substation (#22) already in construction is completed and connected to the electric grid, which is planned for the Fall of 2025." Despite this, environmental advocates remain concerned. KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution, said, "We have nothing to celebrate. We have not seen the dismantling of pollution." The community continues to address health concerns and seeks more clarity on the project's long-term effects.
xAI has integrated 150MW of batteries for backup energy to help manage power outages and peak grid demand, moving towards more sustainable operations. Half of the turbines will remain in use until a second substation is completed and connected to the grid, expected in fall 2025, at which point they will be used for backup power. The Greater Memphis Chamber has praised xAI, stating, "xAI is committed to Memphis through their sustainable environmental practices," as stated by FOX13 Memphis. However, local community leader Pearson expressed concerns, saying, "We have been overburdened and continuously underinvested in and left out of extremely meaningful conversations that affect our health," as per Action News 5.
