Colossus: Elon Musk’s supercomputer and the environmental controversy in Memphis
In the summer of 2024, Elon Musk took a new step in his ambition to lead the artificial intelligence revolution with the launch of Colossus, a state-of-the-art supercomputer installed by his company xAI in the city of Memphis, Tennessee. This mega-machine, designed to train advanced artificial intelligence models such as Grok, was deployed in record time inside a former industrial plant.
The project was initially presented as a major economic opportunity for the region: jobs, innovation and a prominent place on the global technology map were promised. However, alongside the enthusiasm for technological investment, serious criticism emerged regarding the accelerated and opaque installation process, as well as the environmental impact and potential harmful effects on residents’ health, especially in vulnerable communities such as Boxtown.
The most powerful supercomputer in the world… and a source of harmful emissions
Colossus is one of the most powerful supercomputers ever built. With an energy capacity of around 420 megawatts—equivalent to the electricity consumption of a medium-sized city—this infrastructure requires enormous amounts of power to operate. To meet this demand, xAI installed 35 methane gas-powered turbines that operate 24 hours a day.
However, these turbines do not have final environmental permits. The company has argued that they fall under a legal exemption for “temporary” equipment, a legal maneuver that has been strongly criticized by environmental organizations and community representatives. Emissions from the turbines include nitrogen oxides (NOx), formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and ultrafine particles, all recognized as potentially harmful to human health and the environment.
Supercomputer pollution: the case of Boxtown
One of the greatest concerns revolves around the impact of this supercomputer pollution on nearby communities. Boxtown, a predominantly African American and low-income neighborhood, is located less than two kilometers from the complex where Colossus was installed. Many residents already suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses and now fear that the supercomputer’s activity will further worsen their condition.
Sarah Gladney, a Boxtown resident who suffers from lung disease, stated that “our health and the safety of our communities were never taken into account.” Her testimony reflects a widespread sense of neglect among residents, who claim the project was imposed without dialogue or community participation.
Numerous scientific studies have shown that emissions from fossil fuel power plants are directly linked to increased respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as certain types of cancer. Ultrafine particles, for example, can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, affecting vital organs such as the heart and brain.
Lack of regulation and transparency in implementation
One of the most controversial aspects of the project is the lack of transparency and institutional oversight. Construction of the data center hosting Colossus was completed in just 19 days, a surprising timeframe that left no room for proper environmental review or community involvement.
Organizations such as the Southern Environmental Law Center have reported that xAI is operating outside the legal framework, violating key regulations such as the U.S. Clean Air Act. These accusations are particularly serious considering that Colossus’ emissions could have cumulative health effects on thousands of people.
Local authorities, for their part, appear divided. Memphis mayor Paul Young has publicly supported the initiative, citing economic benefits and job creation. However, state legislators such as Justin Pearson have expressed concern about the additional strain on an already overburdened energy infrastructure and the human cost this decision could entail.
Innovation or environmental injustice?
The Colossus case raises a key question: how far are we willing to sacrifice the well-being of certain communities in the name of technological progress? The concept of “environmental justice” is more relevant here than ever. Advocates argue that historically marginalized communities should no longer serve as dumping grounds for the most polluting industrial projects.
From an ethical and sustainable perspective, any technological advancement of this magnitude must be accompanied by a serious assessment of its environmental and social impact. This includes consulting affected communities, implementing mitigation measures and complying with environmental regulations without exception.
The urgency of rethinking the relationship between technology and the environment
The installation of Colossus represents both a technological milestone and a troubling symptom of how certain megaprojects are developed in the 21st century. Supercomputer pollution is a phenomenon that is only beginning to be discussed, but it could become one of the major ecological challenges of the coming decades as artificial intelligence and high-performance computing continue to expand.
To prevent cases like Memphis from being repeated, clear regulatory frameworks, sustainable energy planning and a genuine commitment by technology companies to environmental protection and human rights are essential.
