Temporary Natural Gas Turbines Being Demobilized and Removed Over Next Two Months
MEMPHIS, TN – On Thursday, May 1, 2025, less than one year from the project announcement, xAI reached full operational capability for Phase I of the two Phase operation at the former Electrolux site. xAI was connected to a newly constructed electric substation (#63) from which it is now receiving 150MW of grid power from MLGW and TVA. Additionally, 150MW of Megapack Batteries for stored energy backup have been integrated into the operation, to help the system ride through outages, or demand response events during times of peak grid demand.
The temporary natural gas turbines that were being used to power the Phase I GPUs prior to grid connection are now being demobilized and will be removed from the site over the next two months. About half of the operating turbines will remain operating to power Phase II GPUs of xAI until a second substation (#22) already in construction is completed and connected to the electric grid, which is planned for the Fall of 2025, at which time the remaining turbines will be relegated to a backup power role.
xAI is committed to Memphis through their sustainable environmental practices. The company is participating in the Demand Response program as outlined by MLGW and is exploring ways to provide energy to the grid for the benefit of the community, especially in emergency situations or other times of need. As xAI grows, so will Memphis.
About xAI
xAI is a company working on building artificial intelligence to accelerate human scientific discovery. We are guided by our mission to advance our collective understanding of the universe. For more information visit: xAI
About The Greater Memphis Chamber
One of Memphis’ oldest institutions, dating back to 1838, the Greater Memphis Chamber is a privately funded nonprofit that serves as the region’s lead economic development organization and the “Voice of Memphis Business” on local, state, and national issues. The Chamber’s mission is to drive the Memphis business agenda for Greater Memphis. We do this by relentlessly pursuing prosperity for all — through economic and workforce development, pro-growth advocacy, and by providing support and resources to its investors, which include many of the region’s largest employers.