Musk’s xAI to build small solar farm adjacent to Colossus data center

Artificial intelligence startup xAI, founded by Elon Musk, plans to build an 88-acre solar farm adjacent to its Colossus data center in Memphis, one of the world’s largest AI training facilities. The solar farm is expected to generate around 30 megawatts of electricity, roughly 10% of the data center’s estimated power needs. This initiative is part of xAI’s broader efforts to secure additional clean energy sources, including a previously announced nearby solar project paired with 100 megawatts of grid-scale batteries to provide continuous power. The solar farm developer, Seven States Power Company, received a significant federal award of $439 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, including a $414 million interest-free loan, highlighting ongoing federal support for clean energy projects despite some recent cancellations under prior administrations. However, xAI has faced criticism and legal challenges related to its current reliance on over 400 megawatts of natural gas turbines operating without permits, according to the Southern Environmental Law Center