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Why a Memphis community is fighting Elon Musk's supercomputer

Economic Times · 3m

Elon Musk's xAI artificial intelligence business is developing the world's largest supercomputer, but its presence in Memphis, Tennessee, has raised concerns among residents. The project, located in an old manufacturing plant, requires significant electricity and has led to an increase in pollution in the area. Despite promises from the local utility company that there will be no impact on power availability, some locals believe there has been a lack of transparency and benefit to the community. While xAI awaits approval to tap into the electric grid, it has installed mobile natural gas plants as a temporary solution. The request for approval includes a significant amount of electricity, equivalent to a small natural gas plant or about 100,000 customers. Critics argue that approving xAI's request would further contribute to the reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation in the region.