Overview Energy, an American aerospace and renewable energy startup, and Meta have signed an agreement to develop space-based solar power technology aimed at supplying electricity for AI infrastructure in the United States. Overview plans to conduct an initial orbital demonstration in 2028, with commercial power delivery targeted for 2030.
According to a company press release, Meta will receive early access to as much as 1 GW of capacity from Overview’s planned space solar energy system under the agreement.
Overview’s system is designed to collect solar energy in geosynchronous orbit and transmit it via satellites as low-intensity near-infrared light to existing solar facilities on Earth, where it would be converted into electricity. This approach could allow solar installations to generate power continuously rather than only during daylight hours.
Nat Sahlstrom, Vice President of Energy and Sustainability, Meta, said, “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.”
Marc Berte, CEO, Overview Energy, said, “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 increased output from existing solar projects does not require additional land, fuel supplies or new grid interconnection infrastructure as the transmitted solar beams would be invisible, less intense than sunlight and designed to meet U.S. safety and regulatory standards.
The company’s advisory board includes former NASA administrators Jim Bridenstine and Mike Griffin, as well as former Federal Energy Regulatory Commission chairman Joseph Kelliher.
The announcement comes as major technology companies seek new sources of electricity to support the expansion of AI data centers and related infrastructure. This agreement makes Meta one of the first large companies to reserve future space-based solar power capacity intended for delivery to the electric grid.