Colossus 1
Running (some may still be expanding)
Colossus 1 is an AI data center in Memphis, Tennessee, developed or operated by SpaceX (xAI) for Anthropic. Satellite imagery shows its computers drawing about 340 MW today.
U.S. average: 18.2¢ (+3.4%).
Statewide context, not this project’s effect: prices move for many reasons. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration.
- Water: Allocation (Nov 5, 2026, Memphis Light, Gas and Water)
- Environmental permit: Approved, under challenge (Jul 2025, Shelby County Health Department)
Satellite figures are Epoch AI estimates from imagery of buildings, cooling and power equipment; about 80% fall within a factor of 1.4 of the true value.
- Jun 15, 2026Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 340 MW in use
No major changes to the data center since February. Solar panels have been placed next to the facility.
- Jun 1, 2026Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 340 MW in use
We assume that Anthropic has started using Colossus 1 now, since the announcement said they would get access to 300 MW "within the month" of May.
- May 6, 2026Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 340 MW in use
Anthropic announces their agreement with SpaceX to use all of the compute capacity at Colossus 1. They state that this corresponds to more than 300 MW (presumably IT power) and over 220,000 GPUs. This is slightly different to previous reports adding up to 230,000 GPUs, but still roughly consistent with our estimates.
- Feb 11, 2026Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 340 MW in use
All air-cooled chillers have been disconnected and/or removed from the site, leaving only the cooling towers for cooling. The third substation looks complete, with red cables connected to the building.
- Nov 7, 2025Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 340 MW in use
Third substation was expected to power the building in Fall.
- Oct 19, 2025Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 268 MW in use
There is still construction visible in the third substation yard and next to the new cooling towers.
- Sep 17, 2025Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 268 MW in use
Third substation looks completed, but it doesn't appear to be connected to the building yet. Some air-cooled chillers removed, while large cooling towers are added.
- Jul 22, 2025Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 340 MW in use
30k B200s added (in GB200 configuration).
- Mar 6, 2025Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 278 MW in use
Second substation almost connected (red cables)
- Feb 17, 2025Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 278 MW in use
150k H100s and 50k H200s online. This is roughly when Musk said, plus on this date they reported "running jobs with 150K+ GPUs".
- Sep 2, 2024Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 139 MW in use
- Aug 11, 2024Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 35 MW in use
First significant/useful training workload on 25k H100s.
- Apr 24, 2024Satellite analysis by Epoch AI · 0 MW in use
Construction starts with a road added on site, retrofitting a former Electrolux building.
Decisions and allocations
- AllocationWater· Nov 5, 2026 · Utility
Memphis Light, Gas and Water
Water allocation of up to 1.28 million gallons per day; usage has not reached the cap. A pledged $80M wastewater recycling plant has been on hold since April 2026.
cnbc.com - Approved, under challengeEnvironmental permit· Jul 2025 · County
Shelby County Health Department
Air permit approved for 15 gas turbines powering the site. Environmental groups are challenging the permit.
scientificamerican.com
| Chip | Designer | Units | As of | Count is |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H100 | Nvidia | 150,000 | Jun 1, 2026 | Company disclosure |
| H200 | Nvidia | 50,000 | Jun 1, 2026 | Company disclosure |
| B200 | Nvidia | 30,000 | Jun 1, 2026 | Company disclosure |
Source: Epoch AI, AI data centers, CC BY 4.0
Satellite and capacity estimates via Epoch AI (CC BY 4.0)
- May 2025 Electricity Provider Disclosure drive.google.com
- July 2025 Permit for Gas Turbines scribd.com
- Southern Environmental Law Center Gas Permit Appeal, with additional satellite images cdn.arstechnica.net
- Disclosure on X (formerly Twitter) by Elon Musk of the breakdown of GPUs archive.is
- Anthropic announcement anthropic.com
- Epoch AI calculation sheet for this site
Satellite estimates: Epoch AI, CC BY 4.0, reformatted for this page.