Meta Taps Solar Energy to Power Data Centers
Meta has signed a deal with Overview Energy to access up to 1 gigawatt of space-based solar power for its AI data centers. The agreement involves launching a satellite constellation to beam energy to Earth-based solar farms, with initial orbital tests expected in 2028 and commercial delivery projected by 2030.
Meta has agreed to what it described as a “first of its kind” deal to harness solar energy from space to power its AI data centers.
The company has signed an agreement with startup Overview Energy to access up to 1 gigawatt of capacity from Overview’s space solar energy system. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Space-Based Solar for AI Infrastructure
Under the agreement, the partners plan to launch a constellation of 1,000 satellites into space. These satellites would direct infrared light to existing solar farms on Earth, where it would be converted into electricity for data centers worldwide.
Founded in 2022, Overview says its satellite system enables power to be routed globally based on demand without requiring an infrastructure overhaul on the ground.
The company states that it has already proven the viability of its system by successfully transmitting power from an aircraft to the ground. An initial orbital deployment to demonstrate the system’s effectiveness in space is expected in 2028, with first commercial delivery projected for 2030.
"Space solar technology represents a transformative step forward by leveraging existing terrestrial infrastructure to deliver new, uninterrupted energy from orbit," said Nat Sahlstrom, Meta’s vice president of energy and sustainability, in a release.
Rising Energy Demands from AI
As terrestrial data centers face increasing pushback over high land, water and energy consumption, AI vendors are exploring alternative methods to meet growing power demands. Deep sea and space-based infrastructure have gained traction, with other emerging players including Amazon’s Blue Origin and Los Angeles-based Orbital.
According to the companies, the agreement makes Meta one of the first major corporations to secure rights to future space solar energy capacity delivered from orbit to the grid.
"Space is becoming part of America's energy infrastructure," said Marc Berte, CEO of Overview. "Together with Meta, we're looking beyond traditional constraints on where and when power can be delivered to meet the growing demand for electricity.”