What xAI’s Memphis Christmas Lights Tell Us About Data Centers in Space

In my hometown of Memphis, Tenn., Elon Musk’s xAI is a big topic of conversation for the second holiday season in a row thanks to the two gigantic data centers the company has opened here. The multibillion-dollar facilities have sparked a lot of local opposition because they’re being powered by gas generators that emit air pollution. 

In response, xAI has ramped up efforts to convince Memphians it’s a good neighbor. This year, the company became the lead sponsor of a long-running Christmas light show at a local park, now dubbed “Starry Nights presented by xAI.”