Musk’s xAI wins permit for datacenter’s makeshift power plant despite backlash | Technology

Musk’s xAI wins permit for datacenter’s makeshift power plant despite backlash | Technology

News ClipThe Guardian·Southaven, DeSoto County, MS·3/10/2026

xAI, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, has received approval from the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to operate 41 methane gas turbines at its 'Colossus 2' data center in Southaven, Mississippi, despite significant public opposition from the local community and environmental advocates. The expansion will significantly increase the data center's power demands and contribute to air pollution concerns in the area.

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Gov: Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Elon Musk speaks during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 22 January. Photograph: Gian Ehrenzeller/EPAView image in fullscreenElon Musk speaks during a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 22 January. Photograph: Gian Ehrenzell