Meta secures solar power from space
Meta wants to cover its electricity needs with solar power from space in the future. The Facebook group has reached an agreement with Overview Energy.
Artistic depiction of a satellite from Overview Energy
(Image: Overiew Energy)
Artificial intelligence (AI) requires a lot of electricity, and the major players are looking for ways to cover their energy needs. One possibility is nuclear energy. In addition to that, the Facebook group Meta also wants to use solar power in the future, but not from Earth.
Meta wants to source solar power generated in space from the US startup Overview Energy in the future, as the company has announced. According to the agreement between the two partners, Meta will get early access to Overview Energy's space solar energy system.
"Space is becoming part of America's energy infrastructure," said 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."
Overview Energy, ESA and Caltech are working on SBSP
Overview Energy is developing a system that is intended to generate solar power in space and then transmit it wirelessly to Earth. Space-based Solar Power (SBSP) is the concept, which others are also working on, including the European Space Agency ESA and the California Institute of Technology.
Overview Energy wants to launch satellites into space that are equipped with solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity. With this electricity, the company wants to generate laser light in the near-infrared spectrum. Using special optics, the light is then to be sent to Earth, to solar power plants, so that they can supply power even in darkness.
The satellites are to be positioned in a geostationary orbit (GSO), about 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. At this altitude, the solar panels on the satellites can generate electricity around the clock. The satellites have concentrators that reflect sunlight onto the photovoltaic modules to increase efficiency. According to the company, an array of several satellites can supply various solar power plants on Earth.
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In November last year, Overview Energy tested energy transmission via laser for the first time with a Cessna Caravan. The company plans a test of the SBSP system in orbit in 2028. Commercial use is scheduled to start in 2030.
(wpl)
