Jet Turbines Deployed
Elon Musk's xAI is using eight converted jet engine turbines to power a Mississippi data center. While the generators have the required state-level permission and permits, there remain concerns about the impact they could have on the local environment. The permits allow for a 25% higher limit in pollutants known as volatile organic compounds, but those compounds, paired with the expulsion of carbon monoxide, have environmentalists warning that the use of jet engines to power data centers is a step in the wrong direction. The Southern Environmental Law Center has challenged Mississippi's decision to approve the turbines for use at xAI's data center.
The group argues that xAI has failed to provide guarantees that the jet-powered turbines meet emissions standards for specific pollutants, including formaldehyde. It also accuses xAI of undercounting projected emissions in relation to the data center's power sources. This follows previous legal challenges against xAI over its use of gas generators without the required permits.
Repurposed Aircraft Engines
The generators used by xAI are converted by ProEnergy, an outfit that repurposes unused General Electric turbines typically found on Boeing airplanes. The company turned its attention to data centers after identifying that energy demand was outpacing traditional utility companies. Each turbine produces up to 50 megawatts of electricity, enough to power around 15,000 homes.
Data Center Energy Shortages
Energy availability remains a major bottleneck for data centers. A recent report predicted that data centers would consume 20% of all U.S. power by 2035, representing a significant increase over prior forecasts. Despite growing demand, numerous data center buildouts have faced cancellations or delays due to power shortages. This presents a challenge for xAI, which has targeted massive expansions in data center capacity.
Public sentiment surrounding data center expansion has deteriorated amid power grid strains and high water consumption. While converted jet engines help address energy capacity hurdles, the associated pollution continues to draw scrutiny from local communities.
