Meta has reserved up to 1GW of space-based solar capacity from startup Overview Energy to power its future AI data centers.
Overview's plan involves placing satellites in geosynchronous orbit about 22,000 miles up, where they can soak up sunlight continuously. The satellites would then beam that energy back to Earth using low-intensity near-infrared lasers, aimed at ground-based solar farms. Those farms convert the light into electricity and feed it into the grid — meaning, in theory, they could keep generating power long after the sun sets.
Separately, Meta also struck a deal with Noon Energy to reserve up to 1GW / 100GWh of ultra-long-duration storage. While lithium-ion batteries are typically designed for a few hours of backup, Noon claims its reversible solid oxide fuel cell and carbon-based storage can hold clean power for more than 100 hours. The first pilot project, a 25MW / 2.5GWh system, is slated to come online in 2028.
AI data centers run 24/7, but wind and solar depend on weather and time of day. Meta already has contracts for over 30GW of clean and renewable energy, and has participated in nuclear partnerships totaling 7.7GW. Space-based solar is a much earlier-stage, higher-risk supplement. Meta acknowledges the technology is still nascent — Overview plans an orbital demonstration in 2028. If all goes well, commercial power from space might reach the US grid no earlier than 2030.