xAI’s Colossus 2: satellite analysis suggests NOx spike from temporary turbines
New Scientist on September 11, 2026 reports that Colossus 2 in Tennessee—the largest operational U.S. data center serving xAI/SpaceXAI AI—centers an environmental debate: satellite analysis suggests a NOx spike tied to dozens of temporary gas turbines in Mississippi. The company promised to remove 69 temporary turbines by July 2027 and replace them with 41 permanent ones (MDEQ permit March 2026). Company and local authorities dispute the claims. Verification disputed. We prefer xAI / Colossus 2 naming; press sometimes says SpaceXAI.
