Meta Partners with Overview Energy to Beam Space-Based Solar Power to Earth

Meta has signed a first-of-its-kind agreement with space solar energy startup Overview Energy to power its artificial intelligence (AI) data centers using solar energy beamed from space. The partnership marks a significant shift in how hyperscale technology companies are addressing the growing demand for clean, reliable electricity to support AI infrastructure.

Space-Based Solar Energy: How It Works

Overview Energy’s system collects solar energy continuously in geosynchronous orbit, where satellites receive uninterrupted sunlight. The energy is then converted into near-infrared light and beamed to existing solar farms on the ground. These terrestrial solar installations convert the infrared light into electricity, effectively extending their power generation capabilities through the night without requiring additional land, grid connections, or new infrastructure.

The approach leverages existing solar assets to maximize their utilization, allowing them to produce power around the clock. According to Overview Energy CEO Marc Berte, the system is designed to be passively safe for humans, animals, and aircraft, as the near-infrared beam is invisible and less intense than natural sunlight.

Meta’s Early Access to 1GW of Space Solar Capacity

The agreement grants Meta early access to up to 1 gigawatt (GW) of capacity from Overview’s space solar energy system. This capacity is expected to support the company’s expanding AI infrastructure, which currently consumes vast amounts of electricity. In 2024 alone, Meta’s data centers used more than 18,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity—enough to power approximately 1.7 million American homes for a year.

Nat Sahlstrom, Meta’s Vice President of Energy and Sustainability, emphasized the transformative potential of the technology. 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. The collaboration aligns with Meta’s broader commitment to securing 30 GW of renewable energy sources, with a focus on industrial-scale solar power plants.

Overcoming Terrestrial Grid Constraints

The partnership reflects a broader industry trend among hyperscale technology providers to bypass traditional grid limitations. As AI workloads drive unprecedented demand for electricity, companies are increasingly exploring behind-the-meter and non-grid solutions to insulate themselves from grid volatility and lengthy interconnection delays.

Overview Energy’s system is designed to address these challenges by delivering power directly to existing solar farms, avoiding the need for new land acquisition or complex grid upgrades. The company has already demonstrated power transmission from an aircraft to the ground and plans to launch its first satellite to low Earth orbit in January 2028. The initial orbital demonstration is expected to pave the way for commercial power delivery by 2030.

Regulatory and Safety Considerations

Unlike other space-based power concepts that rely on high-power lasers or microwave beams—technologies that face significant regulatory and safety hurdles—Overview’s near-infrared light approach is intended to minimize risks. The company states that its beam is designed to be harmless to humans and wildlife, addressing potential concerns about orbital energy transmission.

The partnership between Meta and Overview Energy positions both companies at the forefront of a new category of energy infrastructure. As Marc Berte noted, 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. The collaboration underscores the growing intersection of space technology and renewable energy as companies seek scalable solutions to meet the demands of AI-driven computing.

What Comes Next

The agreement sets a timeline for the development and deployment of Overview’s space solar technology. Following the January 2028 satellite launch, the company aims to conduct its first power transmission from space. If successful, commercial power delivery to Meta’s data centers is expected to begin in 2030, providing a new model for how technology companies can secure clean, uninterrupted energy for high-density workloads.

The partnership also signals a potential shift in the energy procurement strategies of other hyperscale operators. As AI infrastructure continues to expand, the demand for innovative power solutions is likely to grow, making space-based solar energy a compelling option for companies seeking to reduce their reliance on traditional grid systems and fossil fuels.