Meta has signed an agreement with startup Overview Energy to secure up to 1 gigawatt of solar power generated in space and transmitted to Earth. The deal is part of Meta’s broader effort to meet rising energy demands from artificial intelligence infrastructure. The approach involves satellites collecting solar energy, converting it into infrared light, and beaming it to ground-based solar farms. Unlike traditional solar systems, this method could provide power continuously, including at night.
Overview Energy’s system is designed to integrate with existing solar infrastructure, avoiding the need for entirely new power grids. The company plans to deploy a fleet of satellites that transmit energy to large-scale solar farms, which then convert the infrared light into electricity. According to the company, the beam is designed to be safe for human exposure and avoids the regulatory challenges associated with high-power lasers or microwave transmission. Meta has not disclosed the financial terms of the agreement but confirmed it has reserved capacity under the arrangement.
The project remains in early stages, with key milestones ahead. Overview has already demonstrated energy transmission from an aircraft and plans its first satellite test in January 2028. Full-scale deployment could begin around 2030, with a long-term goal of operating up to 1,000 satellites in geostationary orbit. Each satellite is expected to deliver power for more than a decade, supporting continuous energy supply across regions as the Earth rotates.
Powering AI Infrastructure
The agreement highlights the growing energy demands of AI systems and data centers. Meta’s operations consumed more than 18,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, and demand is expected to rise as AI workloads expand. Traditional solar power requires storage or backup generation to operate overnight, adding cost and complexity. By enabling round-the-clock solar generation, space-based energy could improve efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
For technology companies, securing stable and scalable energy sources has become a strategic priority. Large AI models require constant compute availability, making intermittent energy sources less practical without significant storage investment. If successful, Overview’s approach could reshape how renewable energy supports data-intensive industries.
Emerging Energy Technologies
Space-based solar power has long been explored but has faced technical and economic challenges. Advances in satellite design, energy transmission, and cost reduction are now bringing the concept closer to practical deployment. Overview’s strategy focuses on using lower-intensity infrared beams and existing solar farms to simplify implementation.
The Meta partnership signals increasing interest from major technology firms in unconventional energy solutions. As competition in AI intensifies, companies are investing not only in computing infrastructure but also in the energy systems required to sustain it. The success of projects like this will depend on scaling the technology, meeting regulatory requirements, and proving long-term reliability in real-world conditions.