Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, has been working on building a massive data center for his AI startup xAI in Memphis, keeping many details about the project secret. Back in March, Musk’s team met secretly with local and national law enforcement agencies, including the Memphis Police Department and the FBI, to discuss the project. These agencies signed non-disclosure agreements with a mysterious shell company controlled by Musk’s fixer, Jared Birchall.
Birchall, who has been Musk’s right-hand man for nearly a decade, has been involved in various aspects of Musk’s empire, including managing his family office, overseeing security, and handling financial matters. Government officials in Memphis signed NDAs with xAI, raising ethical concerns for some, including Scott Banbury of the Sierra Club Tennessee Chapter. However, law enforcement agencies involved in the project have declined to comment on their involvement.
The construction of xAI’s supercomputer, nicknamed “Colossus,” took place in an empty factory along the Mississippi River in just four months. The data center has significant energy and water demands, with plans to use power equivalent to 100,000 households and draw over 1 million gallons of water daily from the Memphis Aquifer for cooling purposes. There are concerns about the strain on local resources and infrastructure due to the facility’s needs.
The use of non-disclosure agreements by Musk’s companies to prevent the release of sensitive information is not new. Similar practices have been observed in other locations where Musk’s ventures are operating, such as Nevada and Texas. Additionally, the secrecy surrounding xAI’s operations in Memphis has raised questions about transparency and accountability to the public. Some residents and environmental groups are calling for more information about the project and its potential impact on the community.
Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding the gas-powered generators xAI is using to supplement its energy supply. The generators have the potential to contribute to air pollution and have raised concerns about public health in the surrounding area. Community groups and environmental organizations have called for more oversight and regulatory scrutiny of xAI’s operations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents living nearby.
Overall, the secrecy surrounding xAI’s activities in Memphis has sparked controversy and raised questions about the balance between economic development, technological innovation, and environmental impact. As the project moves forward, local residents and officials are seeking more transparency and accountability from Musk’s company to ensure that the interests of the community are taken into consideration.
