Meta looks to space solar to solve AI energy crunch
Meta is investing in space-based solar power and long-duration storage to meet rising AI energy demand sustainably.
AI needs power, a lot more than before.
Meta is exploring space-based solar power to meet that demand. On 27 April 2026, the company said it has reserved up to 1 gigawatt of capacity from Overview Energy, a startup working on satellites that can beam energy collected in orbit back to Earth.
Why AI is pushing energy limits
The scale of AI infrastructure is changing how companies think about electricity. Data centres already consume massive amounts of power, and that demand is increasing as models grow larger and more complex.
Industry estimates suggest Meta’s facilities used tens of thousands of gigawatt hours in 2024 alone. This creates a new challenge. How to keep systems running continuously while relying on clean energy sources.
The idea behind space-based solar power
Space solar aims to solve a basic problem. Solar energy on Earth depends on daylight and weather conditions. In orbit, sunlight is almost constant. Overview Energy’s approach places satellites in geosynchronous orbit, about 22,000 miles above Earth.
These satellites collect solar energy and convert it into a low-intensity beam. That beam is then directed at solar farms on the ground. The farms convert it into electricity using existing infrastructure, extending their output into night-time hours.
How this could work in practice
The concept is designed to integrate with current systems. Instead of building entirely new power plants, Meta’s plan uses existing solar farms. The incoming energy increases their utilisation without requiring additional land.
This could improve efficiency. Solar plants that normally stop generating power after sunset could continue producing electricity through the night.
A second layer: long-duration storage
Meta is not relying on a single solution. The company has also partnered with Noon Energy to secure up to 1 gigawatt and 100 gigawatt hours of long-duration storage. This type of storage is meant to handle multi-day gaps in renewable generation. Together, space solar and storage create a more stable energy system.
Timelines and early milestones
Both projects are still in early stages. Overview Energy is targeting a demonstration of its system in 2028, with potential commercial use starting around 2030. Noon Energy is planning a pilot project of 25 megawatts and 2.5 gigawatt hours by 2028.
Scaling will depend on the results. Efficiency, cost and regulatory approvals will determine how quickly these technologies can move beyond pilot stages.
The challenges ahead
The idea is ambitious, but not without hurdles. Wireless power transmission needs to meet safety standards. Conversion efficiency across multiple stages must remain high enough to be viable. Costs also need to compete with existing alternatives.
There are regulatory factors as well. Spectrum allocation, environmental approvals and public acceptance will all play a role in determining feasibility.
Part of a broader energy strategy
Space solar is one part of Meta’s larger plan. The company is also investing in nuclear energy, solar projects and emerging technologies like geothermal. Reports suggest agreements that could support up to 6.6 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035. This reflects a diversified approach. Different energy sources are being combined to ensure reliability and sustainability.
A new frontier for clean energy
Space-based solar power may still be experimental. But it represents a shift in thinking. Instead of expanding only on the ground, companies are exploring new environments to meet rising demand. If these projects succeed, they could change how energy is generated and delivered. For now, the focus is on proving that the concept works at scale. The results over the next few years will determine whether space becomes part of the energy mix for AI.