Meta Partners to Harness Space-Based Solar Power for AI Data Centers

Global demand for energy is rising as artificial intelligence (AI) companies expand their technologies. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that electricity use by data centers will more than double by 2030, reaching about 3 percent of global electricity consumption. Most electricity still comes from fossil fuels, but AI companies are seeking clean energy solutions to reduce environmental impact.

Key Highlights

• Meta partners to collect solar energy from space for powering data centers and AI infrastructure.
• Satellites in geosynchronous orbit will transmit solar energy to Earth as near-infrared light.
• Meta collaborates with Noon Energy to store renewable energy for extended periods.
• Overview Energy and Noon Energy plan demonstration projects for space-based and stored energy by 2028.

Meta's Clean Energy Initiatives

Meta has announced new partnerships to address the energy needs of its data centers and AI infrastructure. The company plans to use solar energy collected from space to power its operations. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional solar and wind energy, which depend on weather and sunlight and require improved storage solutions.

Meta has partnered with Overview Energy to collect solar energy in space using satellites in geosynchronous orbit, about 22,000 miles above Earth's equator. These satellites will gather sunlight and transmit it to Earth as low-intensity, near-infrared light. This technology could enable continuous power generation, even at night or during cloudy weather, by delivering solar energy directly to ground-based facilities.

In addition to space-based solar, Meta has also formed a partnership with Noon Energy. This collaboration focuses on storing renewable energy for extended periods. Meta will use solid oxide fuel cells and carbon-based storage systems to maximize the availability of clean energy for its AI and cloud infrastructure.

Industry Context and Future Plans

Other technology companies are also exploring innovative energy solutions. Google has announced plans to move data centers into space, while Meta's approach focuses on transmitting solar energy from space to Earth. Both strategies aim to address the growing power needs of AI and cloud computing.

Overview Energy's orbital demonstration is scheduled for 2028. This will be the first attempt to beam energy wirelessly from space to a solar farm on Earth. Noon Energy's demonstration project is also targeting a 2028 launch. These projects represent significant steps toward sustainable energy for large-scale data operations.

As AI technologies continue to expand, the need for reliable, clean energy sources will remain a priority. Meta's partnerships highlight ongoing efforts to innovate in energy collection and storage, aiming to support the future growth of AI infrastructure while reducing environmental impact.