xAI will build the world's largest ceramic membrane bioreactor (MBR) to enable the reuse of 49.2 MLD (13.0 MGD) of municipal wastewater to cool its supercomputing data center in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. CERAFILTEC will deliver its most advanced ceramic membrane technology in an accelerated project to be completed in 2025.

The enormous scale of this MBR project highlights the growing demand for advanced ceramic solutions for mission-critical wastewater treatment applications, such as data center cooling. xAI, an artificial intelligence company founded by Elon Musk that it says will be "the most powerful AI training cluster in the world," selected CERAFILTEC for its technological expertise, advanced ceramic membrane solution, and ability to meet an accelerated delivery schedule. CERAFILTEC's technology offers superior reliability and efficiency, overcoming common membrane problems such as fiber breakage and sensitive cleaning procedures. In the fast-growing data center industry, effective, sustainable water management is essential to maintain high operational performance. CERAFILTEC's solution is designed to meet these stringent requirements.

The project highlights xAI's commitment to sustainable water management by using municipal wastewater for cooling, saving precious drinking water and protecting the Memphis Sands Aquifer for the benefit of local communities. As the plant can treat more wastewater than xAI needs, it will also supply excess treated water to local industry, drastically reducing the impact of existing users on the aquifer and setting a precedent for environmentally friendly practices in technology. This not only optimizes the reuse of water, but also represents a milestone in environmental leadership by encouraging high-tech companies to adopt sustainable water solutions. CERAFILTEC's technology provides a durable, reusable solution that supports a circular economy, effectively eliminates plastic waste from conventional polymer membranes and significantly minimizes the negative impact on the environment.

"CERAFILTEC's robust ceramic membrane technology meets our high requirements for highly reliable and efficient water treatment to support our state-of-the-art supercomputer," said Mark Carroll, xAI's wastewater engineer responsible for the design and construction of the recycling plant. "This partnership allows us to set new standards in technology and water efficiency, ensuring the vital cooling water supply of our high-performance computer systems without compromising the local drinking water supply."

"Our DNA is very similar and together we are shaping the future of AI and water treatment," said Dr. Torsten Wintergerste. Dr. Wintergerste, who recently joined CERAFILTEC as CEO, comes from the Swiss technology company Sulzer, where he served as President of the Chemtech Division.

CERAFILTEC is a privately owned company. Dr. Jürgen Hambrecht, Chairman of CERAFILTEC and former Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of BASF, added: "Our collaboration with xAI demonstrates the transformative potential of ceramic membranes in water and wastewater treatment, which offer unparalleled reliability and efficiency. This project sets new standards in the industry and strengthens CERAFILTEC's role as a leading global provider of innovative water solutions."