Xai’s “Colossus” supercomputer raises health issues in Memphis

Elon Musk AI startup Xai uses a “Colossus” supercomputer in Memphis, Tennessee, pursuant to operating permission from the Shelby County Health Department for non-stop turbine use from June 2025 to June 2030. We plan to continue using gas turbines.

Why is it important? Commercial attraction, a news outlet that has acquired documents, observe it Environmental issues As turbines from 20 years ago released harmful air pollutants (HAPs) containing formaldehyde, they emerged at levels above the annual cap of a single source of EPA per year. (According to the story, the facility’s operating permit allows self-reports that turbines each issue 11.51 tons of HAP per year.)

The turbines have already been in operation without public notice or oversight since summer 2024, says Eric Hilt, a spokesman for the large environmental law center and a large environmental nonprofit organization.

“This is another example of how a company is not transparent to community and local leaders,” Hilt shares the commercial appeal.

The Health Department informed the outlet that the permit had not been approved yet, saying, “There is no set timeline for approval.”