Elon Musk’s xAI data centre sparks noise and pollution concerns in Southaven

Elon Musk’s xAI data centre in Southaven is facing pushback from locals after residents reported constant mechanical noise and raised concerns about air quality.

The project, promoted as a major leap in high-performance AI development, relies on dozens of natural gas turbines placed near residential neighbourhoods. 

For many, the sound became noticeable over the summer, prompting questions about how xAI operations were being regulated.

The first facility, Colossus, which Musk has described as housing one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers, is already active. 

A second site, Colossus II, is under construction, with xAI installing 59 turbines to power both centres. 

While 18 turbines are currently running, Mississippi regulators classify them as “temporary-mobile,” meaning they aren’t subject to air emissions monitoring. That loophole has alarmed locals who fear long-term exposure.

Residents have argued that the lack of oversight is unacceptable in a suburb surrounded by schools and family homes. 

However, environmental advocates noted that the situation shows how quickly Musk’s projects can outpace community protections.

The dispute signals that Musk’s aggressive push to scale xAI may collide with local expectations, raising the question of how communities should coexist with AI infrastructure growing in their backyard.