Mississippi issues a permit for a permanent 1.2 GW gas plant in Southaven to power Colossus 2

xAI/Colossus

Mississippi's Environmental Quality Permit Board unanimously approved xAI's request for 41 permanent methane gas turbines in Southaven to power the Colossus 2 data centre in Memphis. The turbines replace 27 unpermitted units, rated at about 1.2 GW. The permit requires pollution-control technologies and emissions modelling. Residents and the NAACP objected citing health concerns and threatened legal action alleging Clean Air Act violations.

• 41 permanent methane gas turbines replacing 27 unpermitted units, rated ~1.2 GW to power Colossus 2 data centre
• Permit requires pollution-control equipment and emissions modelling for air quality compliance
• Community objections: residents reported noise disturbance similar to jet engines and concerns about harmful emissions inhalation; NAACP threatened suit
• Process concerns raised over fast-tracking permit without proper vetting; trust issues cited by residents lacking direct xAI contact