Meta has become the first company in the world to sign a contract for the supply of electricity generated in Earth orbit. The agreement was signed with Overview Energy, a startup that will provide uninterrupted power supply for critical AI systems.
Meta opens the era of space energy
Meta signed a historic agreement with Overview Energy for the supply of electricity generated by solar satellites in orbit. Under the terms of the contract, the supply capacity can reach 1 GW, which will allow the company to ensure round-the-clock operation of the artificial intelligence infrastructure without dependence on traditional energy sources. As reported by WSJ, This is the first commercial transaction of its kind in the world.
Overview Energy's satellites will collect sunlight in orbit, where there are no atmospheric obstacles and no change of day and night. The collected energy will be converted into safe infrared radiation, which will be transmitted to Earth to special ground stations for further electricity generation. This makes it possible to receive energy 24/7 regardless of weather conditions.
How the new technology will work
Overview Energy's approach is unique in that it uses satellites to collect solar energy in orbit, which avoids the traditional limitations of ground-based solar power plants. The energy will be transmitted in the form of infrared radiation, which is safe for the environment and people.
After receiving the signal, Overview Energy's ground stations will convert the radiation into electricity, which can be used to power Meta's server farms. This approach ensures a stable power supply even at night or in adverse weather conditions.
Launch plans and prospects
A test demonstration of the technology in space is scheduled for 2028. If the tests are successful, the system is expected to be fully commercialised in 2030. This opens up new opportunities for the large-scale deployment of space energy in industries requiring a guaranteed uninterrupted power supply.
Meta is already preparing to integrate this technology into its data centres to support the development of artificial intelligence. If successful, other tech giants may follow suit.
Why it matters
Meta and Overview Energy's contract could be a game-changer for the energy industry, as it marks the first time in the world that a stable source of electricity is created that is independent of the earth's constraints. Continuous power generation 24/7 will make data centres less vulnerable to outages and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
The introduction of space energy will accelerate the development of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, which require a stable and environmentally friendly energy supply. If the technology proves to be effective, it could significantly change the global energy landscape.
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