Experts at social media giant Meta have signed a deal which will allow the company to use solar energy collected in space to power data centres back on Earth.
Meta has signed a deal which will allow the company to use solar energy collected in space to power data centres back on Earth.
The social media giant is teaming up with innovative start-up Overview Energy, which is developing a system to collect solar energy in outer space and transmit it back down to receivers on the planet below, to secure enough energy to keep the company’s products going into the future as the increased use of AI and massive data centres continue to put pressure on the power grid in the US.
Nat Sahlstrom, vice president of energy and sustainability at Meta, said: “Space solar technology represents a transformative step forward by leveraging existing terrestrial infrastructure to deliver new, uninterrupted energy from orbit.
“We’re excited to partner with Overview Energy to pioneer innovative energy solutions to advance our AI ambitions and infrastructure.
“This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to innovation – leveraging cutting-edge technology to strengthen America’s energy leadership.”
Marc Berte, CEO of Overview Energy, added: “Space is becoming part of America’s energy infrastructure. Our approach to space solar energy enables hyperscalers and technology providers to secure clean power with reliable siting, and speed to power.
“Together with Meta, we’re looking beyond traditional constraints on where and when power can be delivered to meet the growing demand for electricity.”
Overview Energy’s system will use continuous sunlight in geosynchronous orbit to create solar energy around the clock which will then be beamed back to Earth as low-intensity, near-infrared light.
The system is designed to increase power output by extending sunlight collection hours – meaning more energy can be collected without requiring additional land for solar panels or increasing the use of fuel – and power can be shifted across continents based on demand without changing existing grid infrastructure on the ground.
Meta’s deal will allow them to collect up to 1GW of Overview Energy’s capacity. The system is expected to be trialled with an initial orbital demonstration in 2028 with commercial power delivery estimated to start in 2030.
A press release from Overview Energy concluded: “The agreement between Meta and Overview marks an important step toward making space solar energy a practical component of America’s energy infrastructure mix – one capable of supporting a growing economy that depends on always available, high-quality power.”
Meta to use energy from space to power data centres
