SpaceX's xAI Data Centers to Replace Unpermitted Turbines by 2027

According to a recent statement from SpaceX, the company plans to replace its unpermitted turbines powering its xAI data centers near Memphis, but won't be fully removing them until next year. The decision comes after the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center sued xAI over the use of unpermitted turbines.

SpaceX's Turbine Transition Plan

The turbines in question are currently operating in Mississippi, just south of Memphis in Tennessee. The region is known for being one of the most polluted areas in the United States, with the potential for the turbines to emit over 2,000 tons of smog-forming NOx per year. SpaceX claims that the turbines are exempt from permits due to their temporary nature, but federal regulations argue that they require permits due to their size and usage.

In its IPO filing, SpaceX stated that it plans to purchase $2.8 billion worth of gas turbines for its data centers over the next three years.

SpaceX argues that the existing turbines are still on their trailers, which they were shipped on, and therefore do not require permits. However, federal regulations state that turbines of this size and usage require permits regardless of their location.

New Power Plant to Replace Turbines

The new power plant that SpaceX is building will consist of 41 gas turbines, ranging in size from 16.48 megawatts to 50 megawatts. These turbines appear to be different from the ones currently in use, but TechCrunch was unable to verify the specific models of the 69 existing turbines.

• SpaceX acquired xAI in February and has been operating the data centers since then.
• The turbines are currently located in Mississippi, just south of Memphis in Tennessee.
• The new power plant is expected to be completed in the coming months.
• SpaceX claims that the existing turbines are exempt from permits due to their temporary nature.

Elon Musk's Role in the Turbine Transition

Earlier this year, Elon Musk purchased APR Energy, a company that specializes in temporary natural gas power. According to an archive of the company's site before it was taken down, the turbines in the company's fleet appear to be different from those cited in permits for the new power plant. This has led some to speculate that the new turbine fleet is intended for another, unannounced project.

When asked about the turbine transition plan, a SpaceX spokesperson stated that the company is committed to reducing its environmental impact and is working to replace the unpermitted turbines with a more sustainable solution.