Mayor Young says only 15 of xAI’s 35 turbines are being used

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Mayor Paul Young confirmed that only 15 xAI’s methane turbines are currently being used in the city.

During the second Mayoral Forum on Saturday morning, Mayor Young addressed the community’s concern and criticism from Representative Justin J. Pearson.

“As we have projects in our community that stands to elevate the economics in our city, we find ways to make them wins for our city,” Young said. “I know there are significant environmental concerns, and our goal is to make sure that we’re working through those concerns to ensure that our community is protected and that Memphians get a win.”

While answering the public’s questions, Young confirmed that while 15 of xAI’s methane turbines were being used, the other 20 were just stored.

Mayor Young says only 15 of xAI’s 35 turbines are being used

“I’ve talked to the xAI leadership team,” Young said. “There are 35, but there are only 15 that are on. The other ones are stored on sight.”

He said that xAI started with the turbines in September and they legally have one year to operate them without a permit.

“They filed for the permits and the first substation has been completed,” Young said. “They’re looking to bring that online over the next month and they’re working to get the second one completed before September. If not, that’s why they need the permit.”

As for the community’s concerns about how xAI will affect the local water supply, Young said, instead of taking water from the wells or pulling from the tap, xAI is going to build a greywater facility.

We will update this story as more information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.