Meta Signs World's First Space Solar Power Deal — 1GW for Data Centers by 2030

Meta has contracted with space solar startup Overview Energy in the world's first commercial agreement of its kind. A geostationary satellite beams 24-hour solar energy to ground receivers — with 1GW capacity reserved for Meta's AI data centers, targeting 2030 commercial delivery.

Justin·April 27, 2026·4 min read

AI Summary

Meta has signed the world's first commercial space solar power agreement with startup Overview Energy. A geostationary satellite collects solar energy and beams it to ground receivers for 24-hour clean power delivery — with up to 1GW capacity reserved. Target: orbital demonstration by 2028, commercial supply from 2030. The latest move in Meta's multi-layer AI power strategy alongside long-duration storage, nuclear, and conventional solar PPAs.

Meta (META) has signed what it calls the world's first commercial agreement for space-based solar power, partnering with startup Overview Energy. The goal: initial orbital demonstration in 2028, followed by commercial power delivery starting in 2030. Meta has secured a capacity reservation agreement for up to 1GW from Overview's space solar system.

Meta's Vice President of Energy and Sustainability, Nat Sahlstrom, said: 'Space-based solar is an innovative step in using existing ground infrastructure to deliver constant energy from orbit. We're proud to lead the way in pioneering energy solutions to support our AI infrastructure ambitions.'

How It Works: A Geostationary Satellite Beaming Light to Ground Solar Panels

Overview Energy's system works as follows: a satellite in geostationary orbit (GEO) continuously collects solar energy 24 hours a day. It converts that energy into low-intensity near-infrared light and transmits it to existing ground-based solar installations. The ground solar equipment receives the beam and converts it to electricity. The result: dramatically extended generation hours for existing solar assets — no new land, no fuel, no long-distance grid interconnects required.

The key capability is '24-hour generation.' Ground solar is limited to daylight hours; geostationary orbit sits outside Earth's shadow and receives sunlight continuously, day and night. Overview says the beam is lower intensity than sunlight, passively safe to humans, animals, and aircraft, and designed to meet U.S. regulatory, grid integration, and safety standards. The system can also redirect power between continents in real time based on demand. Overview has already achieved the world's first power beam transmission from a moving aerial platform.

Overview's advisory board includes former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin, and former FERC Chairman Joseph Kelliher.

The Latest Chapter in Meta's AI Energy Diversification Strategy

This agreement extends Meta's multi-layered approach to securing AI infrastructure power. Earlier this month, Meta signed a contract with long-duration energy storage company Noon Energy for up to 1GW/100GWh capacity — using solid oxide fuel cell systems capable of storing energy for 100+ hours to address renewable intermittency. Meta is also running parallel tracks: 80MW solar PPA in Pennsylvania, 176MW solar in Texas, and a 1GW nuclear investment in Ohio.

Overview Energy CEO Marc Verté said: 'Space is becoming part of America's energy infrastructure. We're here to transcend the traditional constraints on when and where power can be delivered.'

Technology Risk Remains Before Commercialization

The 2028 orbital demonstration is a prerequisite, not a formality. Space-based solar has spent decades as a research concept, with satellite launch costs, transmission efficiency, and ground receiver compatibility still presenting real engineering hurdles. This contract is a capacity reservation option — not a confirmed power purchase. Four years of demonstration and development separate today's announcement from 2030 commercial delivery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why is space-based solar more attractive than ground solar?

Geostationary orbit receives sunlight 24 hours a day regardless of weather or time of day. By beaming energy to existing ground solar installations, the system extends generation hours dramatically without requiring new land or grid interconnects.

Q. What is Overview Energy?

Founded in 2022, Overview Energy has already achieved the world's first power beam transmission from a moving aerial platform. It is backed by leading energy and aerospace investors, with former NASA administrators and the former FERC chairman on its advisory board.

Q. Why is Meta investing in space-based solar?

AI data centers require large-scale, around-the-clock reliable power. Meta is pursuing space solar to overcome the intermittency limitations of renewables, meet its carbon neutrality commitments, and build long-term energy supply chain resilience.