Meta Platforms has signed a deal to buy up to a gigawatt of solar power from Overview Energy, a start‑up aiming to launch satellites that beam electricity to the ground. The partnership signals a shift toward unconventional energy sources as tech firms look for reliable power for data centers and AI workloads.

Overview plans an in‑space demonstration in 2028, according to CEO Marc Berte, with commercial service slated for 2030. Meta’s commitment could provide a steady, low‑cost power stream, easing the energy crunch that threatens to throttle AI development and large‑scale cloud operations.

The terms remain undisclosed, but the volume—up to a gigawatt—matches Meta’s projected energy needs for its expanding AI infrastructure. By tapping space‑based generation, the company aims to sidestep grid volatility and reduce carbon footprints, aligning with its public sustainability targets.

If successful, the partnership could set a precedent for other data‑hungry firms to pursue orbital power, potentially reshaping the renewable‑energy market and accelerating the adoption of satellite‑based solar. For investors, the deal hints at a new revenue stream for Overview and a strategic buffer for Meta against future energy price spikes.