Elon Musk quietly acquired mobile gas and diesel turbine company APR Energy in May, according to a recent filing uncovered by Electrek. The purchase, valued at an estimated $1 billion, adds a fossil fuel business to Musk's portfolio—a notable shift from his past criticisms of oil and gas.
Likely Use for AI Data Centers
The turbines are expected to power AI data centers, including those for Musk's xAI. APR's mobile fleet resembles the turbines already used at an xAI data center in Southaven, Mississippi, where the company faces a Clean Air Act lawsuit. Since the suit was filed, the number of turbines at that site has grown. The Department of Justice has sought dismissal of the case to allow continued military use of xAI's Grok chatbot.
A Reversal on Fossil Fuels
The acquisition marks a stark reversal for Musk, who once called continued use of fossil fuels "the dumbest experiment in history." APR's mobile generators can be mounted on trailers, making them flexible for rapid deployment. Musk's business may further expand fossil fuel infrastructure, with reports of a planned natural gas pipeline in Texas. The deal closed without public announcement, and neither Musk nor APR has commented.