In a significant development, local authorities have approved the operation of 15 natural gas turbines at a data center located near Memphis. This decision comes amidst ongoing legal challenges and environmental concerns.
The AI company, founded by a prominent tech entrepreneur, has been utilizing up to 35 generators without the necessary permits, according to reports from an environmental advocacy group. Collectively, these generators have the potential to produce an impressive 421 megawatts of electricity. The advocacy group has announced plans to initiate legal action for alleged violations of environmental regulations on behalf of a civil rights organization.
Recently, the company secured a substantial funding boost of $10 billion, which was evenly divided between debt and equity financing. This financial influx is expected to support its operations and expansion plans.
The permit granted by the local health department allows the company to operate 15 Solar SMT-130 generators equipped with specific emissions controls, capable of generating up to 247 megawatts. Notably, the company had already been running eight of these generators without permits, although they reportedly complied with pollution control standards.
Despite the permit, the company is permitted to emit considerable amounts of pollutants over a rolling 12-month period. This includes emissions of 87 tons of nitrogen oxides, 94 tons of carbon monoxide, 85 tons of volatile organic compounds, 73 tons of particulate matter, and nearly 14 tons of hazardous air pollutants, including formaldehyde, which is recognized as a carcinogen. The company is mandated to maintain accurate records of its emissions.
Prior to the permit issuance, a local community organization allocated $250,000 for an independent air quality assessment to evaluate the potential impact of the generators.
The City of Memphis conducted its own air quality tests in June, although the advocacy group raised concerns regarding the methodology used during the testing process.
In a recent event, it was noted that the testing contractor failed to measure ozone levels and conducted tests on days when prevailing winds carried pollutants away from the nearest monitoring sites. Additionally, the placement of testing equipment near buildings may have compromised the accuracy of the results.
Previously, the health department stated that it lacked the authority to permit mobile gas-burning turbines operating for less than 364 days, asserting that the Environmental Protection Agency should oversee such operations. The advocacy group contested this interpretation, claiming it lacked legal justification.
In summary, while the approval of the natural gas generators marks a significant step for the company, it also raises important questions about environmental regulations and community health in the Memphis area.