Meta has entered into an agreement with space startup Overview Energy to access solar energy generated in orbit and transmitted to Earth, marking a bold step toward solving one of renewable energy’s biggest limitations—nighttime power generation.
Under the deal, Meta has reserved up to 1 gigawatt of generating capacity from Overview Energy’s planned system, which uses satellites to collect solar energy in space and beam it down to Earth-based solar farms.
The technology works by capturing continuous sunlight in orbit—where there is no night—and converting it into near-infrared light. This energy is then transmitted to large-scale solar installations on Earth, which convert it back into electricity, enabling solar power plants to operate even after sunset.
This approach eliminates the need for expensive battery storage or backup power sources, which are typically required to maintain operations when solar generation drops at night.
The move comes as Meta’s energy needs continue to surge, driven by the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure. The company’s data centers consumed over 18,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, and demand is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
Overview Energy plans to conduct its first orbital demonstration around 2028, with commercial-scale energy delivery targeted by 2030.
The partnership highlights a broader trend among major tech companies exploring unconventional energy solutions to support AI growth. Space-based solar power, once considered futuristic, is now emerging as a potential way to deliver continuous, clean energy and reduce reliance on traditional power grids.
