With the arrival of Musk’s xAI, operations at the new data center have officially begun. Now, Colossus 2 is indeed alive, humming on the border of Memphis in Southaven, Mississippi. This huge facility spans an incredible one million square feet. It’s particularly intended to help meet the enormous computing needs of xAI’s claimed upcoming supercomputer, MACROHARDRR. Construction for Colossus 2 is already underway, having started last year. This project would greatly enhance Musk’s already sprawling achievement of an $80 billion data center.
Colossus 2 will require nearly two gigawatts of computing power, making it one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by xAI. Dozens of individual gas turbines keep the facility humming. Yet this arrangement has drawn the ire of state regulators and environmental advocacy organizations. Colossus 1, the first data center, went from zero to production in 122 days over the summer of 2024. Today, as much as 150 megawatts of electricity pass through it—enough electricity to run about 100,000 homes for a year—and it runs primarily at full capacity.
The construction and operation of both Colossus facilities have led to accusations of blatant noncompliance with environmental regulations. Electric Loads xAI initially deployed truck-sized gas turbine generators to the Colossus sites. At first they energized Colossus 1 with as many as 35 generators. Currently, xAI runs a total of 12 permitted machines at this site.
Last week, xAI announced its intention to build a third data center in Southaven. This decision underlines the company’s growth spurt in the area. This expansion is occurring against a backdrop of regulatory headwinds. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local health officials are closely monitoring emissions from these facilities, given the significant energy demands associated with Musk’s ambitious computing projects.
Amanda Garcia, a senior director with the EPA, emphasized the legal responsibilities that come with running these types of facilities.
“It makes it clear that companies are not – and have never been – allowed to build and operate methane gas turbines without a permit, and that there is no loophole that would allow corporations to set up unpermitted power plants.” – Amanda Garcia
Garcia emphasized the need for local health leaders to take decisive action to ensure compliance with federal laws aimed at protecting residents from harmful air pollution.
“We expect local health leaders to take swift action to ensure they are following federal law and to better protect neighbors from harmful air pollution.” – Amanda Garcia
Environmental advocate Abre’ Conner shared her story about the tons of pollutants emitted by these operations and what that means to the people who live nearby.
“Our communities, air, water, and land are not playgrounds for billionaires chasing another buck.” – Abre’ Conner
In addition, the EPA is currently conducting a special national assessment of emissions from each of these Colossus facilities. They calculate that their ultimate actions would have the potential to limit annual nitrogen oxide emissions by as much as 296 tons by 2032. This cut in pollution will be important to protect air quality in the region as xAI rapidly grows and intensifies its operations.