Overview Energy and tech giant Meta have inked a first of its kind partnership to power Meta data centers with U.S.-built space solar energy through satellites.

The space solar satellites are scheduled for initial orbital demonstration in 2028 before their expected commercial power delivery date in 2030, the companies say. The agreement will put Meta at the forefront of data center energy infrastructure, officials say, as it also aims to strengthen renewable energy leadership for the U.S. at large.

All of this, Meta says, is in service of its quest to power data centers with renewable energy, which involves securing access to new avenues of power technology like space-based solar solutions.

“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,” says Nat Sahlstrom, Meta’s VP of energy and sustainability. “This collaboration demonstrates our commitment to innovation – leveraging cutting-edge technology to strengthen America’s energy leadership.”

Meta is one of the first major companies to look into space-based solar energy, officials say. As of April 27, the firm has signed an agreement for early access Overview’s space solar energy capacity, up to a maximum of 1 GW.

An overview of Overview’s solar satellites

Overview’s solar satellites function like energy reflectors, the company says, as they are able to collect continuous sunlight while in orbit, and them invisibly beam it down to solar projects on Earth.

“Space is becoming part of America’s energy infrastructure,” says Overview Energy CEO Marc Berte. “Our approach to space solar energy enables hyperscalers and technology providers to secure clean power with reliable siting, and speed to power. Together with Meta, we’re looking beyond traditional constraints on where and when power can be delivered to meet the growing demand for electricity.”

Overview says the new technology is engineered to meet standard U.S. regulatory, grid integration, and safety marks. The company’s advisory board included former Congressman and NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine and Joseph Kelliher, former FERC chairman and EVP of federal regulatory affairs at NextEra Energy, among other officials.

Tags: Meta, Overview Energy, solar satellites, space solar, utility-scale