SRMED
Englishعربي
Englishعربي
Meta has signed a groundbreaking agreement with startup Overview Energy to secure up to 1 gigawatt of space-based solar power for its data centers, marking the first major commercial deal for orbital solar technology. The partnership aims to beam continuous sunlight collected in space directly to existing ground-based solar farms, enabling around-the-clock electricity generation without new land or infrastructure.[1][2]
Overview's system relies on satellites positioned in geosynchronous orbit, where they capture uninterrupted sunlight and transmit it back to Earth as low-intensity, near-infrared light. This beamed energy lands on conventional solar panels, which convert it into usable electricity, effectively extending solar farm output through the night. According to reports from TechCrunch and The Next Web, the approach avoids the need for additional grid connections or fuel, while pv magazine notes the beam is invisible and safe for humans, animals, and aircraft.[1]
The deal addresses Meta's surging power demands driven by AI infrastructure, including major U.S. projects like data center campuses in Louisiana. As Nat Sahlstrom, Meta's vice president of energy and sustainability, stated, "Space solar technology represents a transformative step forward by leveraging existing terrestrial infrastructure to deliver new, uninterrupted energy from orbit." This aligns with industry views, such as those echoed by Reuters via New Orleans City Business, positioning Meta as a pioneer betting on solar as the backbone for space-enabled AI.[2]
Technical advantages make this appealing: orbital arrays could boost power output by 30% by dodging atmospheric interference and deliver roughly five times the energy yield of ground systems by escaping day-night cycles, per pv magazine analysis. Overview's satellites act like energy reflectors, maximizing utilization of current solar assets and supporting U.S. renewable leadership, as highlighted in Solar Builder Magazine.
A timeline has been outlined, with an initial orbital demonstration slated for 2028 and full commercial power delivery targeted for 2030. Financial details remain undisclosed across sources, but the agreement grants Meta early access to the capacity, potentially setting a precedent for other tech giants facing similar energy shortages.[1][2][4]
This development matters for the broader energy landscape, as data centers worldwide grapple with ballooning electricity needs amid the AI boom. By tapping space-based solar, Meta could reduce reliance on fossil fuels or delayed grid expansions, benefiting shareholders, local communities near its facilities, and the push for sustainable tech. What happens next hinges on successful demos—failure could stall adoption, while success might accelerate investments from rivals like Google or Amazon.[3][5]
Industry observers see this as validation of long-discussed space solar concepts, now viable with advancing satellite tech. As Data Center Dynamics reports, Meta's move underscores a pivot to orbital solutions for power procurement challenges, potentially reshaping how hyperscalers meet 24/7 demands without environmental trade-offs.[4]