MEMPHIS, Tennessee — Development is taking place at Elon Musk’s second xAI location in Memphis.
The organization states that its supercomputer, ‘Colossus 2,’ situated in Whitehaven, will be activated in the coming weeks.
This occurs as both criticism and support for the project increase.
xAI is increasing its footprint in the City of Memphis. As the company gets ready to activate its second supercomputer in the near future.
Individuals participating in the project state that “Colussus 2,” located in Whitehaven, will be comparable to the “Colussus” location in Boxtown.
Although xAI has gained backing from certain state and local officials, there has been resistance from residents of the Whitehaven area.
We don’t need the pollution and all of that, you know, down here. And I don’t think it should happen. You know? Go somewhere else,” said a Whitehaven resident. “We live in this area, so what are we supposed to do? Just slowly die? We have children to think about.
There have been worries regarding pollution at the xAI locations in Boxtown and Whitehaven; nevertheless, recent third-party air quality assessments found no harmful amounts of air contaminants in either of these regions.
Nevertheless, the Southern Environmental Law Center claims the tests were incorrect as they failed to assess ozone pollution.
This month, a coalition of environmental activists challenged the Shelby County Health Department’s choice to permit xAI to use 15 gas turbines as secondary emergency power sources.
Amid the discussion, Mayor Paul Young states that xAI will provide substantial economic advantages to the City of Memphis.
Some residents of Whitehaven welcome the idea, while others inform WREG that they remain doubtful.
Anything that brings in money is good,” said another resident of Whitehaven. “So, I think, yeah, Elon Musk, send us a check so we can leave here and you can do what you need to do and make it better and a safer place for everyone.
WREG has discovered that xAI acquired the former Duke Energy location in Southaven. Documents indicate the company intends to use it by managing and maintaining transmission lines and other infrastructure for its Whitehaven property.
WREG contacted Southaven’s Mayor for a statement and has not received a response yet.
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