The first phase of Elon Musk’s xAI Memphis Supercluster has just reached full operational capacity as the on-site substation goes online and connects to the main power grid. According to the Greater Memphis Chamber, the site will receive 150 MW from Memphis Light, Gas, and Water (MLGW) and the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Aside from that, the xAI Colossus supercomputer also boasts another 150 MW of Megapack Batteries that will serve as backup, allowing it to stay powered in case of outages or during times of increased demand.
Musk first turned on his AI cluster in July last year, which housed 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs on a single fabric. The xAI supercomputer was set up at such an impressive speed, as it only took the company 19 days to make it operational — something Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said usually takes four years. However, this speed meant it had to cut some corners, such as launching without getting power from the grid, so the site used a plethora of natural gas turbine generators for its electricity needs. Initial reports say 14 generators, outputting 2.5 MW apiece, were parked on its premises, but some residents have recently complained that over 35 turbines have been spotted in the vicinity.
