● Covered by 3 sources · 3 reportsMedium impact1 negative2 neutral
SpaceX to Remove Unpermitted xAI Data Center Turbines by July 2027
Key points
- SpaceX will remove 69 unpermitted gas turbines.
- Removal process to be completed by July 2027.
- Turbines power xAI data centers near Memphis, Mississippi.
- Transitioning to a 1.2 GW natural gas power plant.
- Lawsuits cited Clean Air Act violations and lack of permits.
Unpermitted Turbines to be Replaced
SpaceX has stated it will remove the 69 unpermitted gas turbines currently powering its xAI data centers located near Memphis, Mississippi. The company plans to complete the full removal process by July 2027. This action comes as SpaceX transitions to a permanent 1.2 gigawatt natural gas power plant.
Legal Challenges and Environmental Concerns
The operation of these turbines has been the subject of lawsuits from organizations including the NAACP and the Southern Environmental Law Center. These legal challenges allege violations of the Clean Air Act and highlight the lack of required federal permits for the turbines, which are mandated due to their size and usage. The region where the turbines are located is noted as one of the most polluted in the U.S.
Permitting and Removal Timeline
SpaceX initially claimed it was allowed to operate the existing turbines without permits because they remained on their shipping trailers. However, federal regulations require permits for turbines of this size and use, regardless of their mounting. The removal of the temporary turbines is expected to begin in August 2026, with full completion by July 2027, as part of an agreed order with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality.
Powering xAI's Data Centers
The turbines are currently powering xAI's Colossus data centers. SpaceX acquired xAI in February 2026. The company's IPO filing indicated plans to purchase $2.8 billion worth of gas turbines for its data centers over the next three years. The new 1.2 GW power plant is being constructed under a Clean Air Act permit.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
SpaceXAI will remove all 69 unpermitted mobile turbine generators from its Colossus data centers by July 2027, a process expected to take 12 months. These generators, which faced legal challenges over pollution and lack of permits, will be replaced by a 1.2GW power plant approved under a Clean Air Act permit. This change addresses environmental concerns and regulatory issues surrounding the data centers' power infrastructure.
SpaceXAI will remove 69 unpermitted gas turbines powering its Mississippi data center by July 2027, following an agreement with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. This action addresses a lawsuit filed by the NAACP alleging Clean Air Act violations and potential health risks from the turbines.
SpaceX announced it will remove the unpermitted gas turbines powering its xAI data centers near Memphis by July 2027, as it shifts to a permanent 1.2 gigawatt natural gas power plant. This transition follows lawsuits from groups like the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center regarding the unpermitted operation of the current turbines, which federal regulations require permits for due to their size and use.