(Memphis, TN) xAI has secured 168 big batteries – Tesla Megapacks – to power up and cool down Colossus 2, a second xAI data center.
Colossus: From 1 to 2
Colossus 1 began construction in early 2024, with planning finalized by March 2024, and started running in September 2024, built in roughly six months. Colossus 2, expanding capacity for complex AI tasks, began development in early 2025, with these 168 powder white Tesla Megapacks delivered by ~ May 19.
Elon revealed on X that Colossus 2 will be the world’s first gigawatt AI training supercluster, this definitely pushes earth’s computational limits.
A gigawatt is one billion watts, enough to power about 750,000 average U.S. homes for an hour, matching the output of a large nuclear power plant.
“Aiming to make Grok the best tool for developers, from enterprise & government to consumer video games!” Elon posted.
The Tesla Megapacks, verified by xAI’s Brent Mayo as designated for Colossus 2, will also ensure grid resilience for the city.
City of Memphis Benefits from xAI’s Commitment
The Greater Memphis Chamber praised xAI’s sustainable practices. “xAI is committed to Memphis through their environmental practices,” the chamber stated, noting participation in MLGW’s Demand Response program. An additional 150 megawatts of Megapack batteries will support the grid during outages or peak demand, benefiting the community. “Grid resilience and battery backup are key to ensuring a successful future for xAI and the region,” Mayo said, adding, “Grok loves the Megapacks!”
My thoughts: Tesla + xAI
I recently read about the great success of Tesla Megafactory in Lathrop, California. It is beautiful to see manufacturing in the US by Tesla provide the solution to xAI’s power demands. Looking at the data center pics (below) you can tell it is essentially hungry for energy for power and cooling. I’ve seen a small data center up close in Austin, Texas, and noticed the huge effort made to keep it cooled.
With Colossus 2, xAI is not just building AI but also serving to buffer local energy infrastructure in case of a power outage.
Zoom in to see Colossus I Tesla Megapacks and fossil generators. pic credit unknown
Inside Memphis Colossus I( pic credit unknown)Zoom in on calling tubes for data center Colossus I (pic credit unknown)
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