Environmental advocates have released thermal imaging evidence suggesting xAI is operating more than twice the number of gas turbines it claimed at its Memphis supercomputer facility, raising concerns about undisclosed pollution in historically Black communities.
The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) obtained aerial thermal images showing 33 active turbines at xAI's Colossus supercomputer site, despite the company only seeking permits for 15 turbines. This contradicts statements by Memphis mayor Paul Young, who said xAI claimed it was only operating 15 turbines.
"The new images clearly show that more than 30 of xAI's methane gas turbines are operating, debunking recent claims that the company was merely storing—and not running—more than half of the turbines outside its data center," the SELC stated.
Local residents and environmental groups are now calling on the Shelby County Health Department to deny xAI's air permit applications, citing lack of transparency and environmental justice concerns.
"Without appropriate controls, gas turbines can release harmful pollution that is tied to asthma, respiratory illnesses, and certain types of cancers," said SELC Senior Attorney Amanda Garcia. "xAI's failure to disclose that it's running dozens of these polluting turbines at its South Memphis data center has left Memphians in the dark."
The controversy deepened after mysterious fliers appeared in Black neighborhoods, distributed by an anonymous group called "Facts Over Fiction," downplaying xAI's environmental impact. While no direct connection to xAI has been established, the timing coincided with mounting criticism of the facility's operations.
KeShaun Pearson, president of Memphis Community Against Pollution, accused xAI of "perpetuating environmental racism" and refusing to engage with local residents about their concerns.
The Shelby County Health Department has scheduled a public hearing where residents can comment on xAI's draft permit application. The company must install emissions control technology and maintain low emissions to avoid enforcement actions from health officials and the EPA.
xAI did not respond to requests for comment on the thermal imaging findings or permit concerns. The company has invested $7 billion in the facility and plans continued expansion to compete in the AI industry.
The supercomputer currently powers xAI's Grok chatbot and is slated for use in autonomous vehicles, robotics, and scientific applications. However, its estimated 300-megawatt power consumption—equivalent to 250,000 households—has raised questions about the environmental cost of AI advancement.