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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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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.
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Duke Energy and GE Vernova announce significant arrangement for gas turbines and associated equipment
Duke Energy forms a significant partnership with GE Vernova for natural gas turbines.
- Agreement to procure up to 11 American-produced GE Vernova 7HA gas turbines aligned with Duke Energy’s integrated resource plans.
- Partnership addresses growing energy demands driven by advanced manufacturing, data centers, and population growth.
- GE Vernova’s Greenville, S.C. facility expansion supports historic demand with nearly $600 million investment, including $300 million in Gas Power business.
- Investments include manufacturing process modernization, supplier capacity increase, and creation of over 1,500 U.S. jobs.
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New gas turbine assets to leverage Duke Energy’s existing infrastructure, lowering costs and speeding market delivery.
This partnership solidifies supply and capacity for Duke Energy to support future energy growth and modernization needs.
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Duke Energy and GE Vernova announce significant arrangement for gas turbines and associated equipment
Duke Energy and GE Vernova announce a significant partnership for natural gas turbines and associated equipment.
- Partnership includes a plan to procure up to 11 American-produced GE Vernova 7HA gas turbines aligned with Duke Energy’s integrated resource plans.
- Builds on eight previously secured 7HA turbines, aimed at meeting growing energy demand from manufacturing, data centers, and population growth.
- GE Vernova’s Greenville, SC facility expanded with nearly $600 million U.S. manufacturing investment, including $300 million in Gas Power business, creating more than 1,500 jobs.
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The arrangement utilizes Duke Energy’s existing infrastructure to reduce costs and accelerate deployment.
The agreement highlights tangible progress in Duke Energy’s strategy for reliable energy and economic growth support.
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Alberta prioritizing U.S. data center needs, former deputy minister says
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Radix IoT DCIM Platform Bolsters Global Datacenter Performance Levels
Radix IoT announced the launch of Mango DCIM, a data center infrastructure management platform designed to improve energy efficiency and sustainability in data centers. The platform offers real-time telemetry, global monitoring watchlists, AI workload latency support, and ESG reporting tools. Radix IoT aims to help data centers reduce energy consumption, optimize resources, and streamline environmental reporting, addressing concerns over the sector’s high electricity usage, projected to reach 6.7-12% of US electricity consumption by 2028.
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Wildfork Power Solutions Receives Equity Commitment from Chickasaw Capital Management
Wildfork Power Solutions has announced the formation of a new power generation platform, Wildfork Power Solutions, LLC, with an equity commitment from Chickasaw Capital Management, LLC. The company will provide scalable power solutions ranging from 20 MW to 200 MW for sectors including oil and gas, data centers, utilities, and manufacturing. This partnership aims to offer reliable, independent power sources and includes an option for near-zero carbon emissions to support sustainability goals. The deal underscores a focus on energy infrastructure and scalable, autonomous power solutions.