In response to heightened electricity demands driven by artificial intelligence, Meta is exploring space-based solar energy solutions. On a Monday in Austin, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram announced an agreement with Overview Energy, based in Virginia, to obtain up to one gigawatt of power from their planned orbital solar system for its data centers by the end of this decade.
Meta’s collaboration with Overview Energy aims to harness energy directly from space and transmit it to Earth. This strategy contrasts with earlier proposals, such as those by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, which suggested placing physical data centers in orbit. The partnership highlights the increasing pressure on technology firms to secure dependable power sources amid a surge in AI-driven electricity demands that are straining the U.S. grid.
“We’re constantly exploring new and innovative methods to supply our data centers with reliable energy and augment grid generation,” a Meta spokesperson conveyed to Decrypt. “Space-based solar is still emerging, yet it holds promise by offering uninterrupted, carbon-neutral power that can be directed to where it’s needed in real-time.”
This announcement follows SpaceX’s recent cautionary remarks in a pre-IPO filing about the commercial viability challenges of orbital AI computing. Elon Musk had previously described space-based AI as an obvious choice.
Overview Energy intends to harvest uninterrupted sunlight from geosynchronous orbit, directing it to solar facilities on Earth for continuous electricity generation. This initiative builds on their successful demonstration last year when they transmitted power from a moving aircraft to a ground station.
“Our agreement is based on reaching specific technology milestones, granting us preferential access to up to 1GW of future capacity upon achieving these goals,” the spokesperson explained.
Additionally, Meta revealed an arrangement with Noon Energy for over 100 hours of energy storage. An initial pilot project of 25 megawatts and 2.5 gigawatt-hours is planned for 2028, aiming eventually to reach the full target of 1 GW/100 GWh.
Meta has invested in more than 30 gigawatts of new energy across 28 states, encompassing wind, solar, nuclear, and geothermal projects.
Space-based solar technology offers a potential solution to bypass some limitations faced by terrestrial solar power, such as weather disruptions, atmospheric losses, and nighttime inactivity. However, it remains untested on a commercial scale with uncertainties about launch expenses, maintenance, and economic feasibility.
“Our partnership with Overview Energy is focused on supporting a promising orbital technology that could provide dependable power from space while enhancing the productivity of solar facilities here on Earth,” stated Meta’s spokesperson. “We’re providing the project with the certainty it needs to progress.”