Meta Reserves 1GW of Space Solar Power Capacity for AI Data Centers

Gate News message, April 27 — Meta announced partnerships with Overview Energy and Noon Energy to secure renewable power for its AI data centers. The company has reserved up to 1GW of space-based solar power capacity through Overview Energy and up to 1GW/100GWh of ultra-long-duration energy storage capacity through Noon Energy.

Overview Energy’s approach involves placing satellites in geostationary orbit at approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. These satellites harness continuous solar energy in space and transmit it back to ground-based solar stations via low-intensity near-infrared light beams. The ground stations convert this light into electricity and feed it into the grid, enabling power generation even after sunset.

Noon Energy specializes in ultra-long-duration storage using reversible solid oxide fuel cells and carbon-based storage technology, capable of storing clean electricity for over 100 hours. The company’s first pilot project, a 25MW/2.5GWh facility, is scheduled for completion in 2028.

Meta has already signed contracts for over 30GW of clean and renewable energy capacity and supports 7.7GW of nuclear power. While space-based solar remains in early stages, Overview Energy plans to conduct an orbital demonstration in 2028, with potential commercial power delivery to the U.S. grid as early as 2030.