Meta has taken a bold step in addressing the growing energy demands of artificial intelligence by signing an agreement with startup Overview Energy to explore space-based solar power solutions.

The initiative could involve deploying up to 1,000 satellites designed to beam energy to Earth. As AI systems require increasing computational power, Meta’s data centers have seen a surge in electricity consumption.

In 2024 alone, the company used over 18,000 gigawatt-hours of energy, prompting a push toward renewable sources, particularly large-scale solar installations.

Overview Energy’s approach involves collecting solar energy in space, converting it into infrared light, and transmitting it to Earth-based solar farms.
These farms would then convert the light back into electricity, enabling continuous power generation even at night.

The technology aims to bypass limitations associated with traditional solar energy, such as dependence on daylight and the need for extensive battery storage.

Early tests have demonstrated the feasibility of transmitting power from aircraft, with plans underway for a satellite launch by 2028. Meta has reportedly secured a capacity reservation of up to one gigawatt from the project, although financial details remain undisclosed.

The system introduces a new measurement concept megawatt photons, to quantify the energy transmitted via light. If successfully deployed at scale, the technology could significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transform renewable energy infrastructure.

However, its long-term viability will depend on overcoming technical, regulatory, and economic challenges.

Source: TechCrunch