Mississippi sets retirement schedule for xAI turbines, allows some to run past deadline
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality set a schedule for xAI to retire 69 temporary gas generators powering its data centers in Southaven, but allowed some to run past the original deadline. This decision comes amidst complaints from residents about emissions and noise, and legal challenges including a federal complaint and a lawsuit filed by local residents.
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) has mandated a retirement schedule for 69 temporary natural gas generators utilized by xAI in Southaven, Mississippi, to power its data centers. The agency's July 30 order, announced Thursday, allows some of these generators to operate beyond their initial 12-month limit, with 13 units receiving extensions, three of which can run for up to five additional months.
xAI, operating through its subsidiary MZX Tech, has been using these unpermitted, trailer-mounted turbines since August 2025 to support data centers located across the state line in Memphis. The company sought the extension due to supply chain delays impacting the installation of 41 permanent turbines, which will operate under proper air permits.
This decision follows significant community pushback and legal action. Southaven residents have voiced concerns over continuous humming noise and emissions. The NAACP filed a federal complaint in April, and local residents initiated a lawsuit in June, represented by attorneys from the Southern Environmental Law Center, challenging MDEQ's classification of the units as portable, nonroad engines exempt from permitting.
xAI has stated its commitment to transitioning from mobile turbines to permanent power from a 1.2 gigawatt plant, which will comply with Clean Air Act permits. The company also claims it is investing in emission controls, sound walls, and silencers to alleviate noise and other community impacts.