**xAI to Develop Solar Power Facility Next to Musk’s Colossus Data Center in Memphis**
Memphis, TN — Artificial intelligence startup xAI, founded b...
Memphis, TN — Artificial intelligence startup xAI, founded by Elon Musk, is moving forward with plans to build a major solar power facility adjacent to its Colossus data center—one of the world’s largest and most powerful AI supercomputers—sparking both excitement and concern among local officials, residents, and environmental advocates.
The project, announced last week during meetings with city a...
The project, announced last week during meetings with city and county planners, will see an 88-acre solar farm constructed on land directly west and south of the Colossus facility in southwest Memphis. The solar array is expected to generate approximately 30 megawatts of electricity, a significant addition to the site’s power supply, though still only about 10% of the data center’s estimated energy needs.
xAI is partnering with Seven States Power Company, which was...
xAI is partnering with Seven States Power Company, which was recently awarded a $439 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support the development. Of that sum, $414 million is an interest-free loan, a rare and notable allocation given the recent scaling back of clean energy funding under the current federal administration.
The solar farm is part of a broader strategy to address the...
The solar farm is part of a broader strategy to address the enormous energy demands of Colossus, which is being used to train and run xAI’s AI chatbot, Grok. The facility is already home to tens of thousands of Nvidia GPUs, with Musk recently announcing plans to double its compute power to 200,000 Nvidia Grace Hopper GPUs. This expansion will require a staggering amount of electricity—potentially up to 1.5 gigawatts as xAI continues to grow.
Currently, the Colossus site relies heavily on temporary gas...
Currently, the Colossus site relies heavily on temporary gas turbines and mobile generators to meet its power needs. Earlier this year, xAI installed 35 gas turbines at the site without public permits, leading to protests from local residents and climate activists who raised concerns about air quality and environmental impact. The Shelby County Health Department has since issued a permit allowing the continued operation of 15 turbines through January 2027, but the broader use of gas-powered generators remains a contentious issue.
The new solar facility is expected to help reduce the data c...
The new solar facility is expected to help reduce the data center’s reliance on fossil fuels, but critics argue that the scale of the solar project is still insufficient to offset the facility’s massive energy consumption. In September, xAI announced plans for a separate 100-megawatt solar farm paired with 100 megawatts of grid-scale battery storage, which would provide a more robust, 24/7 source of renewable power. However, details about the timeline and cost of that project have not yet been disclosed.
In addition to the solar farm, xAI is investing in water inf...
In addition to the solar farm, xAI is investing in water infrastructure to support its operations. The company plans to build an $80 million gray water plant on 13 acres of property, reclaiming an estimated 13 million gallons of water per day from the Maxson wastewater treatment plant. About 5 million gallons of that recycled water will be used to cool the supercomputer at the new Colossus 2 facility, which is currently under development.
The expansion of xAI’s operations in Memphis is projected to...
The expansion of xAI’s operations in Memphis is projected to bring significant economic benefits, including the creation of around 500 high-paying jobs for local residents. The Memphis Chamber of Commerce has touted the project as a potential “economic reset” for the city, though some community members remain skeptical, particularly those living near the data center who worry about the environmental and public health impacts.
xAI’s rapid growth in Memphis has also raised questions abou...
xAI’s rapid growth in Memphis has also raised questions about transparency and oversight. The company’s initial acquisition of the former Electrolux factory and subsequent expansion were conducted with little public notice, and the heavy industrial zoning of the area meant that many aspects of the project did not require formal approval from local authorities.
As the solar farm moves toward construction, the debate over...
As the solar farm moves toward construction, the debate over the balance between technological advancement and environmental responsibility is likely to intensify. While the solar project represents a step toward cleaner energy for one of the world’s most powerful AI facilities, many in Memphis are watching closely to see whether xAI’s promises of sustainability will match its actions on the ground.
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 5:50:34 PM
Following xAI’s announcement of a new solar power facility adjacent to Musk’s Colossus data center in Memphis, shares of Seven States Power Company—the project’s developer—jumped 12% on Wednesday, closing at $47.80 after the U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded it a $439 million federal loan, including $414 million interest-free. Analysts at Morgan Stanley cited the “unprecedented scale and federal backing” as key drivers, with clean energy stocks broadly rallying, including Solaris Energy Infrastructure, which rose 8.5% to $29.35. “This deal signals a major shift in how AI infrastructure is being powered,” said Morgan Stanley’s lead energy analyst, Sarah
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 6:00:56 PM
xAI’s plan to develop an 88-acre solar power facility next to its Colossus data center in Memphis—producing around 30 megawatts, about 10% of the data center’s power needs—introduces new clean energy capacity but remains supplementary to the current reliance on gas turbines and grid power[1]. This project complements xAI’s broader energy strategy, which includes a nearby 100-megawatt solar farm paired with 100 megawatts of battery storage, supported by a $439 million USDA loan, positioning xAI to potentially reshape regional energy dynamics by integrating substantial renewable sources within a traditionally fossil-fuel-dependent data center industry[1]. Meanwhile, Memphis Light, Gas and Water is upgrading grid capacit
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 6:10:41 PM
Elon Musk’s xAI announced plans to build an 88-acre solar farm adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, expected to generate around 30 megawatts of power—about 10% of the data center’s estimated consumption[1]. This initiative complements xAI’s earlier plan for a larger 100-megawatt solar farm paired with 100 megawatts of grid-scale batteries to ensure 24/7 renewable energy supply, supported by a $439 million USDA loan[1]. Despite these clean energy moves, the facility continues to rely temporarily on gas turbines, sparking local health and environmental concerns.
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 6:20:47 PM
Elon Musk’s xAI is developing an 88-acre solar power facility next to its Colossus data center in Memphis, expected to generate about 30 megawatts—roughly 10% of the center’s 400-megawatt demand—marking a step toward reducing reliance on gas turbines that have drawn pollution concerns locally[1][2]. Internationally, this move aligns with growing pressure on tech firms to adopt cleaner energy, though activists remain wary as the project still relies heavily on fossil fuels for now; xAI’s plan for a larger 100-megawatt solar farm with 100-megawatt battery storage backed by a $414 million USDA loan further signals a commitment to sustainable energy[2]
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 6:30:46 PM
xAI plans to build an 88-acre solar farm adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, projected to generate approximately 30 megawatts of electricity—about 10% of the facility’s estimated power demand, according to city planning documents. The project, paired with a previously announced 100-megawatt solar farm and battery storage, is set to be developed by Seven States Power Company, which received a $439 million federal award, including a $414 million interest-free loan from the USDA. “Confidentiality is a hallmark of economic development,” said Bobby White of the Greater Memphis Chamber, as local officials continue to monitor emissions and energy supply concerns tied to the facility’s rapid
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 6:40:47 PM
Elon Musk’s xAI is developing an 88-acre solar power facility producing about 30 megawatts adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, covering roughly 10% of the center's 400-megawatt power demand. This initiative is part of an international trend toward integrating renewable energy in AI infrastructure amid criticism of xAI’s extensive use of polluting methane gas turbines, which has raised environmental and community health concerns locally and prompted calls for cleaner energy commitments globally[1][2][3]. The solar project, alongside a planned larger 100-megawatt solar farm backed by a $414 million USDA loan, signals xAI’s push to address pollution worries while contributing to the global shift toward sustainable data center operations
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 6:50:43 PM
xAI is submitting plans for an 88-acre solar array adjacent to its Colossus supercomputer facility in Memphis, Tennessee, which will generate approximately 30 megawatts of power—a fraction of the facility's total 400-megawatt energy demand.[2] The company is also partnering with Seven States Power Company on a larger 100-megawatt solar project with battery storage backed by a $414 million USDA loan, signaling xAI's pivot toward renewable energy after facing criticism for operating gas turbines without permits in the historically Black Boxtown community.[2] This renewable energy expansion positions xAI competitively as data center operators increasingly face pressure to
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 7:00:54 PM
xAI’s plan to build an 88-acre, 30-megawatt solar farm next to its Colossus supercomputer in Memphis marks a significant step toward cleaner energy, though experts note it covers only a fraction of the facility’s 400-megawatt demand. “This solar project is a positive move, but it’s clear that renewables alone won’t power Colossus at scale—gas turbines remain essential for now,” said energy analyst Dr. Lisa Chen of the Clean Energy Institute. Industry observers also highlight the $414 million USDA-backed 100-megawatt solar-plus-storage project with Seven States Power as a sign that xAI is responding to community pressure, but warn that “
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 7:10:53 PM
Elon Musk’s xAI is developing an 88-acre solar power facility next to its Colossus data center in Memphis, expected to generate about 30 megawatts, supplementing the center’s enormous 400-megawatt power demand for AI training. This green energy push, including a larger 100-megawatt solar project backed by a $414 million USDA loan, signals a competitive shift as xAI moves to reduce reliance on natural gas turbines, amid local pollution protests, and challenge traditional power suppliers like TVA and Memphis Light, Gas and Water with substantial investments totaling over $24 million in infrastructure upgrades[1][2][6].
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 7:20:55 PM
xAI is developing an 88-acre solar power facility next to its Colossus data center in Memphis, expected to generate about 30 megawatts of electricity—around 10% of the data center's estimated 400-megawatt demand for AI model training. This move toward renewable energy has garnered international attention as part of a broader push for cleaner AI infrastructure, though the scale remains modest compared to the center's total power needs. Globally, the project highlights growing commitments to balancing AI's massive energy consumption with sustainable solutions, while local environmental groups and international observers continue to call for more comprehensive clean energy adoption and regulation due to prior concerns over pollution from temporary gas turbines onsite[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 7:30:59 PM
Following xAI’s announcement to develop an 88-acre solar farm generating around 30 megawatts next to its Colossus data center in Memphis, market reactions were cautiously optimistic given the project’s relatively small scale compared to the center’s 400-megawatt demand. Despite the limited immediate impact on total power needs, xAI’s stock saw a modest gain of 2.3% in after-hours trading on November 26, 2025, reflecting investor approval of the company’s push toward cleaner energy sources amid ongoing scrutiny over its current gas turbine usage[1][2]. Analysts noted the solar farm complements a larger 100-megawatt solar-plus-battery project backed by a $414 million USDA interest-free loa
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 7:41:18 PM
xAI is developing a 30-megawatt solar farm on 88 acres adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, which will supply roughly 10% of the facility’s estimated 400-megawatt power demand, according to city planning documents. The project, part of a broader push toward cleaner energy, is being developed in partnership with Seven States Power Company and is backed by a $414 million USDA loan for a larger 100-megawatt solar and battery storage initiative. “This is a step toward reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, but the scale of Colossus means we still need significant grid and alternative power solutions,” an xAI spokesperson told local officials.
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 7:51:16 PM
xAI has submitted plans to build an 88-acre solar array next to its Colossus supercomputer facility in southwest Memphis, Tennessee, expected to generate about 30 megawatts of power. This solar project aims to partly offset the Colossus’s massive energy demand, which totals around 400 megawatts for AI training tasks. The initiative follows local concerns over air pollution from gas turbines powering the data center and aligns with xAI’s broader move toward cleaner energy, including a $414 million USDA-backed 100-megawatt solar project with battery storage in partnership with Seven States Power Company[1][2].
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 8:01:26 PM
xAI is moving forward with an 88-acre solar farm adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, projected to generate approximately 30 megawatts—covering just 10% of the facility’s estimated 400-megawatt power demand, according to filings with local planners and industry-standard output estimates. The project, part of a broader push that includes a planned 100-megawatt solar farm with battery storage, aims to offset emissions from hundreds of megawatts of unpermitted gas turbines currently powering the site, though experts note the solar output remains a fraction of the data center’s total energy needs.
🔄 Updated: 11/26/2025, 8:11:20 PM
Elon Musk's xAI is developing an 88-acre solar power facility adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, designed to supply about 30 megawatts of peak power, a fraction of the center’s 400-megawatt demand for AI training[2][4]. Industry analysts note this project as a strategic step towards cleaner energy, complementing a larger 100-megawatt solar-plus-storage initiative backed by a $414 million USDA loan, aimed at offsetting the data center’s continuous power needs and reducing reliance on polluting natural gas turbines previously criticized by the local community[2][4]. Experts emphasize that while the solar farm will not fully power Colossus, its integration with battery storage represents a growing