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Tennessee Data Center Intel
Latest data center news, projects, power and policy across Tennessee — updated daily.
Recent Tennessee data center news
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Gas Buildout Continues Across Southeast
The article reports on ongoing and planned expansions of methane gas infrastructure across Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
- Duke Energy plans 9 gigawatts of new methane gas generation by 2035, delaying interim carbon reduction goals; Williams Companies and Mountain Valley Pipeline are advancing pipeline expansions crossing state borders.
- Dominion Energy received state permission to increase fossil fuel use despite clean energy mandates, facing community opposition and expert testimony suggesting alternatives like battery storage could meet demand; Tennessee Valley Authority board changes have stalled its long-term energy planning while it proposes aggressive methane gas generation expansion.
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Data centers seek flexible power solutions for resilience, sustainability
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Innovation Crossroads welcomes six entrepreneurs for Cohort 2025
The Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) announced the 2025 Innovation Crossroads cohort, comprising six entrepreneurs focused on energy and emerging technologies.
- The two-year fellowship program provides startup founders with access to ORNL’s scientific resources, mentorship, and a substantial grant, supported by DOE offices and the Tennessee Valley Authority. The 2025 cohort includes ventures addressing wildfire prevention, advanced materials coatings, scalable carbon fiber production, aluminum-air battery technology, algae-based biocomposites, and efficient data center cooling.
- Cohort members will also complete the Spark Cleantech Accelerator at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The program aims to accelerate commercialization of innovative energy technologies and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
This initiative advances energy innovation by integrating national lab resources with entrepreneurial expertise to foster sustainable technology development and regional economic growth.
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LG Energy Solutions opens LFP battery cell manufacturing plant in Michigan
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Novel data streaming software chases light speed from accelerator to supercomputer
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Exowatt’s ‘next-generation renewable energy’ tech could power data centers faster
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How Elon Musk’s xAI Supercomputer Sparks Pollution Outrage in Memphis
Elon Musk’s xAI data center in Memphis is facing environmental pollution outrage due to unpermitted methane gas turbines at the site.
- 35 portable methane gas turbines installed without air permits at the Colossus facility.
- Local officials state only 15 turbines are operational with a pending permit application; the others are stored on-site.
- Satellite and thermal imagery evidence shows significant pollution and heat emissions from turbines.
- Southern Environmental Law Center and environmental activists have raised serious pollution concerns.
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A public hearing is scheduled for April 25, 2025, regarding these issues.
The situation highlights conflicts between AI infrastructure expansion and environmental regulations, with the next steps involving community and regulatory review.
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Musk Aims to Expand Polluting Data Center Near Historically Black Neighborhoods
Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is expanding a data center named Colossus in Memphis, TN, next to historically Black neighborhoods.
- The data center runs on 35 methane gas-powered turbines emitting nitrogen oxide and other toxic chemicals, reportedly without legal permits.
- Local environmental justice activists and Tennessee state representatives accuse xAI and Elon Musk of perpetuating environmental racism and violating residents’ right to clean air.
- The Shelby County Health Department held hearings focusing on the lack of permits and expansion plans.
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Local officials including Memphis Mayor Paul Young have proposed earmarking $15 million in tax proceeds from xAI’s operations to the community, a move criticized as insufficient by local leaders.
This case highlights ongoing issues of environmental justice, permit compliance, and community health implications amid AI infrastructure expansion.
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xAI supercomputer accused of pollution
Elon Musk’s xAI is building a massive supercomputer named “Colossus” in Memphis, generating controversy over pollution concerns.
- The supercomputer uses at least 35 portable methane gas turbines without air permits, many of which are highly polluting.
- Local environmental groups have revealed heat emissions from 33 turbines, indicating widespread operation without permits.
- Memphis Mayor Paul Young acknowledges only 15 generators are operational with pending permits, while others are stored.
- Residents received fliers claiming the turbines are low-emission, which local representatives dispute.
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The facility is in historically black neighborhoods with higher rates of cancer and asthma, raising environmental justice concerns.
The public hearing by the US Department of Health aims to address these pollution and oversight issues.
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Elon Musk’s xAI accused of pollution over Memphis supercomputer
Elon Musk’s AI company xAI is under scrutiny for operating multiple methane gas turbines without permits at its Memphis data center.
- The facility reportedly runs at least 33 methane gas turbines, many without proper air permits, contributing significant air pollution.
- Memphis mayor Paul Young confirmed 35 turbines are on-site but claimed only 15 are actively used; however, thermal images suggest more are running.
- Anonymous fliers sent to local communities downplay emissions, claiming turbines are low-emission and EPA-regulated, which agencies deny.
- The data center powers the xAI supercomputer “Colossus,” supporting the company’s AI chatbot Grok; expansion plans include a new 1 million sq ft property.
Continued public hearings and community activism emphasize the need for transparency and regulatory oversight regarding pollution emissions at the site.