Elon Musk's artificial intelligence startup, xAI, is facing environmental concerns over its plan to use 15 gas turbines to power its "Colossus" supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee. According to an operating permit filed with the Shelby County Health Department, the turbines are set to run non-stop from June 2025 to June 2030.

The concern arises from the fact that these 20-year-old turbines emit hazardous air pollutants (HAP), including formaldehyde, at levels exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 10-ton annual cap for a single source. The facility's operating permit self-reports that each turbine emits 11.51 tons of HAP per year, significantly above the allowed limit.

The Southern Environmental Law Center, a large environmental nonprofit organization, has raised concerns over the lack of transparency and oversight in the operation of these turbines. According to Eric Hilt, a spokesperson for the organization, the turbines have been running since summer 2024 without public notice or oversight, and the permits do not account for the emissions. "It's another example of the company not being transparent with the community or with local leaders," Hilt told The Commercial Appeal.

The Shelby County Health Department has stated that the permits have not yet been approved, and there is "no set timeline for approval." This lack of clarity has only added to the concerns surrounding the project. The use of gas turbines to power a supercomputer is not a common practice, and the environmental implications of such a setup are still largely unknown.

The "Colossus" supercomputer is a significant project for xAI, and the company's decision to use gas turbines to power it has raised questions about the environmental impact of such a setup. While the use of gas turbines may provide a reliable source of power, it is clear that more needs to be done to address the environmental concerns surrounding this project.

This is not the first time that Elon Musk's companies have faced environmental concerns. Tesla, another company founded by Musk, has faced criticism over the environmental impact of its battery production and disposal practices. The concerns surrounding xAI's use of gas turbines serve as a reminder that even companies at the forefront of technological innovation must prioritize environmental responsibility.

As the world becomes increasingly reliant on artificial intelligence and other technologies, it is essential that companies like xAI prioritize environmental sustainability in their operations. The use of gas turbines to power a supercomputer may provide a short-term solution, but it is not a viable long-term strategy. xAI must work to address the environmental concerns surrounding this project and prioritize sustainability in its operations moving forward.

The fate of the xAI's "Colossus" supercomputer project hangs in the balance as the Shelby County Health Department reviews the operating permits. The outcome of this review will have significant implications for the project and the environment. As the world watches, it remains to be seen whether xAI will prioritize environmental responsibility and find a more sustainable solution to power its supercomputer.