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Meta Reserves Up to 1 Gigawatt of Space‑Solar Power for AI Data Centers

The move signals a push to lock in novel power sources to meet fast‑rising AI electricity needs.

Overview

  • A capacity reservation announced Monday gives Meta early access to Overview Energy’s planned system that beams low‑intensity near‑infrared light from orbit to existing solar farms.
  • Overview targets a first in‑space power‑beaming demo in 2028 and aims for commercial delivery around 2030 after earlier tests from an aircraft, and the companies did not disclose financial terms.
  • In a parallel step Monday, Meta reserved up to 1 GW/100 GWh of ultra‑long‑duration storage from Noon Energy, with a 25 MW/2.5 GWh pilot slated for 2028.
  • The 2028 trials are expected to probe key unknowns including beam pointing accuracy, atmospheric losses, eye and aircraft safety, and U.S. licensing and jurisdictional approvals.
  • Overview ultimately envisions a roughly 1,000‑satellite fleet in geosynchronous orbit to boost night‑time output at permitted solar sites, part of a wider turn by hyperscalers into long‑term energy buyers to ease grid bottlenecks.