In a move that sounds straight out of science fiction, Meta is exploring space-based solar power to meet its growing energy demands.
The company has signed a deal with a startup to beam energy from space to Earth—potentially powering data centers even at night.
The agreement between Meta and Overview Energy marks a major step in the race to secure sustainable electricity for artificial intelligence systems.
Under the deal, Overview plans to deploy a network of satellites that collect solar energy in space and convert it into near-infrared light. This energy would then be beamed down to large-scale solar farms on Earth, allowing them to generate electricity even after sunset.
Why Meta needs more power
Meta’s energy consumption has surged alongside its AI ambitions. In 2024 alone, its data centers used over 18,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity—enough to power more than 1.7 million homes in the United States for a year.
To meet future demand, the company has committed to building 30 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity, with a strong focus on large solar projects.
How the technology works
Overview’s approach aims to solve a key limitation of solar power: nighttime generation.
Its satellites will harvest continuous sunlight in space, convert it into infrared beams, and transmit that energy to Earth. Solar farms equipped to receive this light can then convert it into electricity.
Unlike high-powered lasers or microwave systems, the company says its wide infrared beams are safer and avoid regulatory challenges. CEO Marc Berte claims the beam is harmless enough to look at directly.
Overview has already demonstrated power transmission from an aircraft to the ground. The next milestone is a satellite launch planned for January 2028, which will test space-to-Earth energy transfer.
Meta has signed a capacity reservation agreement to receive up to 1 gigawatt of power, though financial details remain undisclosed. The deal introduces a new measurement unit called “megawatt photons,” referring to the light needed to generate electricity.
Scaling Up: 1,000 satellites by 2030
The company aims to begin launching operational satellites by 2030, eventually building a network of around 1,000 spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit.
Each satellite is expected to operate for more than a decade, collectively covering about one-third of the Earth. Initial coverage is planned from the U.S. West Coast to Western Europe.
As the planet rotates and solar farms move into darkness, these satellites would supply additional energy, boosting nighttime electricity generation.
If successfully deployed, the technology could significantly increase the efficiency of solar farms and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
It also opens the door to a more flexible global energy system, where power can be delivered wherever and whenever it is needed most.
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