● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
xAI Powers Mississippi Data Center with Converted Jet Engines, Faces Environmental Concerns
Key points
- xAI uses eight converted jet engine turbines for its Mississippi data center.
- State permits allow higher limits for volatile organic compounds.
- Environmental groups challenge permits over pollutant emissions.
- ProEnergy converts General Electric turbines for data center use.
Jet Engines Power xAI Data Center
Elon Musk's xAI is powering a data center in Mississippi using eight converted jet engine turbines. These generators have obtained the necessary state-level permissions and permits for operation.
Environmental Concerns Raised
Despite state approval, environmentalists are concerned about the impact of these generators on the local environment. The permits allow for a 25% higher limit in volatile organic compounds, and these compounds, along with carbon monoxide expulsion, are cited as reasons for concern.
The Southern Environmental Law Center has challenged Mississippi's decision to approve the turbines. The group argues that xAI has not guaranteed the jet-powered turbines meet emissions standards for specific pollutants like formaldehyde and accuses xAI of undercounting projected emissions related to the data center's power sources.
Turbine Conversion and Energy Demand
The generators are converted by ProEnergy, a Missouri-based company that repurposes unused General Electric turbines typically found on Boeing airplanes. ProEnergy began converting these jet engines for data center use due to the increasing demand for energy outpacing traditional utility companies' capabilities.
Each turbine can produce up to 50 megawatts of electricity, which is typically enough to power approximately 15,000 homes.
Broader Data Center Energy Challenges
Energy availability is a persistent issue for data centers. A July 2026 report projected that data centers would consume 20% of all U.S. power by 2035, an 83% increase from a forecast made seven months prior. As of April this year, half of data center construction projects had been canceled or delayed, partly due to energy supply issues.
✨ 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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Reporting from
xAI is using eight converted jet engine turbines to power its Mississippi data center, a move that has received state-level permission but is drawing criticism from environmental groups. Concerns center on increased pollutant emissions, with the Southern Environmental Law Center challenging the permits and accusing xAI of undercounting projected emissions.