Future of AI Depends on Space-Based Solar Power Innovations

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are pushing the limits of energy consumption, prompting experts to explore innovative solutions for sustainable power sources. Training a single advanced AI model can use more electricity than what 120 U.S. homes consume in an entire year. As AI adoption accelerates, it is projected that data center energy demands could double before 2030. The current energy infrastructure, designed for previous industrial revolutions, is unable to support this rapid growth.

Lado Okhotnikov, founder of the holistic biotech platform Holiverse, emphasizes the urgency of addressing this energy challenge. “The problem is becoming especially urgent now, as AI is advancing rapidly and its energy demands are growing just as fast,” he states. Okhotnikov’s work bridges human biology and technology, framing the energy crisis as a systemic challenge that requires immediate attention.

Many experts see a significant part of the solution in renewable energy sources. Okhotnikov acknowledges the progress made: “Renewable energy collected on Earth is no longer a fantasy: many countries are actively transitioning to it, and I hope this shift will only accelerate.” Wind, solar, and geothermal energy are essential components of this transition. However, these sources face limitations related to geography, weather, and the day-night cycle.

Given these constraints, experts are increasingly considering alternatives beyond terrestrial resources. Okhotnikov points out, “Very soon, we will have to look to space—because the future, without question, belongs there.” This perspective aligns with the emerging concept of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP). The idea envisions large solar arrays in geostationary orbit, continuously exposed to unfiltered sunlight. These arrays could convert solar energy and transmit it wirelessly to receiving stations on Earth, offering a reliable source of baseload, carbon-free power.

Research institutions such as the European Space Agency and NASA are currently conducting feasibility studies on SBSP. A 2025 analysis for the European energy grid suggested that these systems could provide the stable backbone that intermittent renewable sources cannot supply. Okhotnikov notes, “The solar power we can collect here on Earth is only a tiny fraction of what is available in space.” His vision for future developments at Holiverse is rooted in this understanding of untapped potential.

Holiverse is actively exploring designs and collaborations to align future AI infrastructure with space-generated power. Although challenges like international governance, orbital construction, and transmission efficiency remain, advancements in materials science and reusable rocket technology are making these obstacles increasingly surmountable. Okhotnikov sees Holiverse as a pioneer in this transition, stating, “We are developing technologies capable of powering the next era of AI.”

The implications of harnessing space-based energy are profound. If AI can operate without the constraints of terrestrial energy resources, researchers could significantly expand their computational capabilities. This shift could enhance fields such as material science, personalized medicine, and climate prediction. Okhotnikov summarizes this transformative potential: “The energy we decide to give AI will write its future.”

As initiatives like Holiverse’s gain traction, the focus shifts to the sky for innovative energy solutions. The exploration of space-based solar power could be pivotal for the next major advancements in AI and beyond. By leveraging the sun’s infinite energy, society may unlock unprecedented opportunities for technological growth, addressing both current energy demands and future aspirations.