In a decision that has sparked widespread “outrage,” Mississippi regulators have approved Elon Musk’s request to run 41 methane gas turbines. These units will power the “Colossus 2” datacenter, a key part of xAI’s artificial intelligence operations in Southaven. The permit nearly doubles the amount of on-site energy production for the facility.
The electricity from these turbines is used to fuel the “AI supercomputers” that power Grok, Musk’s AI tool. These computers are housed in a facility roughly the size of 13 football fields, making it one of the largest in the world. The massive power draw of these machines required xAI to build its own localized energy plant.
Community members have been vocal in their opposition, citing the facility’s impact on their quality of life. During public hearings, residents described the “speed and intensity” of the project as overwhelming and disruptive. The NAACP has criticized the MDEQ for dismissing these concerns in favor of corporate convenience.
Health advocates warn that the 41 turbines will release toxins like nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde into the air. Both DeSoto and Shelby counties already suffer from poor air quality, and the new power plant is expected to worsen the situation. This has led to fears of a rise in respiratory illnesses among local families.
xAI’s presence in the region is set to grow even further with the addition of the “Macrohardrr” datacenter. The company’s aggressive expansion strategy has made it a central figure in the debate over the environmental cost of AI. The ongoing lawsuit filed by the NAACP will likely be the next major development in this story.