Financial filings reveal that SpaceX purchased $295 million worth of Tesla Megapacks during the second quarter of 2026, bringing its total spending on these battery energy storage systems to $329 million for the first half of the year.
These Megapacks are crucial for powering SpaceX's Colossus data centers in Greater Memphis, allowing for energy storage from various sources, including renewable energy. However, the company faces community backlash due to emissions and noise from natural gas turbines used for power generation at these facilities, leading to a lawsuit from the NAACP.
Elon Musk indicated plans for rapid expansion of AI infrastructure, targeting 20 gigawatts of power and cooling capacity by the end of next year. This investment in Tesla's products underscores the strategic partnership between SpaceX and Tesla, while also highlighting the challenges of balancing energy needs with environmental concerns