Meta is doubling down on artificial intelligence, combining infrastructure expansion with cost-cutting measures. The company has secured access to AWS Graviton cores through its partnership with Amazon Web Services, while also planning to lay off around 8,000 workers to offset rising AI-related spending.
At the same time, Meta is investing heavily in new energy technologies to support the growing power demands of AI systems and large-scale data centers.
Meta has announced partnerships with Overview Energy and Noon Energy, signaling a shift toward building a more reliable and clean energy backbone for its infrastructure.
Overview Energy is working on space-based solar technology that uses satellites in geosynchronous orbit to collect solar power continuously. This approach allows energy generation even at night, as collected power is transmitted back to Earth for conversion into electricity. Meta has reserved up to one gigawatt of this capacity, with an orbital demonstration planned for 2028 and early commercial deployment expected around 2030.
Noon Energy is developing long-duration energy storage systems designed to last over 100 hours. The company relies on solid oxide fuel cells and carbon-based storage, which significantly extends how long renewable energy can be stored and used. Meta has secured up to 1GW and 100 GWh of storage capacity, with a pilot project expected by 2028.
AI Growth Is Reshaping Energy Needs
The rapid expansion of AI and cloud infrastructure is driving a surge in energy demand across the industry. Meta’s strategy focuses on addressing key limitations of renewable energy, including inconsistent generation and limited storage duration.
By combining space-based solar with long-duration storage, the company aims to create a continuous supply of clean energy for its operations. If successful, these technologies could improve grid reliability and reduce dependence on traditional energy sources.
AWS Chips and Layoffs Reflect Strategic Shift
Meta’s use of AWS Graviton chips highlights a broader effort to optimize performance and efficiency for AI workloads. These processors are designed to handle large-scale computing tasks more efficiently, aligning with Meta’s infrastructure goals.
The planned layoffs of 8,000 employees reflect a shift in priorities, as the company reallocates resources toward AI development, data centers, and supporting technologies. The move underscores how capital-intensive AI has become, particularly when paired with energy and hardware investments.
Meta’s AI ambitions have also encountered regulatory challenges. Chinese authorities recently blocked their planned acquisition of Manus AI, a Singapore-based startup with Chinese origins.
Meta is building a long-term AI strategy that extends beyond software into infrastructure and energy. While many of these initiatives remain in early stages, the company is positioning itself to control both the computational and energy foundations of future AI systems.
Via Neowin
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