Meta Taps Space Solar for AI Data Centers

Meta Platforms has entered into a significant agreement with Overview Energy to source power from the startup's space-based solar infrastructure, with delivery anticipated by the end of the decade. Overview Energy is developing a novel system designed to harvest solar energy in space and transmit it to ground facilities, enabling round-the-clock power generation.

The initial orbital demonstration of this pioneering technology is slated for 2028. Commercial power delivery is then expected to commence in 2030. This agreement provides Meta with early access to as much as 1 gigawatt of capacity from Overview's system.

This move by Meta reflects a broader trend among major tech companies to secure long-term energy supplies. The escalating demands of artificial intelligence and the expansion of data centers are placing considerable strain on existing power grids. Furthermore, tech giants are actively exploring new energy sources amidst increasing scrutiny from environmental and consumer advocacy groups.

Meta is currently constructing several large-scale data centers across the United States, including a significant project in rural Louisiana. The company has also established partnerships with other energy providers, positioning itself as a major corporate purchaser of nuclear power.