While others race to the moon and back, the Faroe Islands space programme takes a bold new step in space exploration, without ever leaving Earth. SKF and ocean energy developer, Minesto are launching a space programme to harness the moon’s energy by leveraging the power of the tides. This space programme aims to utilise the resources we already have right here on earth.
“Imagine a future powered by the tides of the moon. This unique project dares to dream big and is exploring the potential of renewable tidal energy. At SKF we are proud to be a part of this down-to-earth project that aligns with our values and our ambition to create a more sustainable world,” says Annika Ölme, CTO and SVP of Technology Development at SKF.
Over the past year, SKF and Minesto have been pioneering tidal energy using tidal kites in the Atlantic off the Faroe Islands. The mission is to harness the moon’s power for predictable and renewable energy. After its successful launch into the ocean, the tidal kite called LUNA flies underwater, invisibly and silently harvesting energy from the moon – no matter the weather. Today, only a few countries with favourable tidal current conditions are beginning to utilise the full potential of moon generated energy, the most predictable renewable energy source on the globe.
“For us as a tech development company to work with a global industrial company such as SKF is both a learning experience and an inspiration,” says Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto. “We estimate there are at least 3000 more ‘Faroe Islands’ out there qualifying for our space programme. If they all join, moon energy could replace all coal power capacity currently under development globally.”
The established tidal energy facility will kick off the Faroe Islands Space Programme, firmly grounded on earth. The Luna kite has a rated power of 1,2 MW, enough to power 200 villas with electricity for one year. The next goal is to implement a new 200 MW tidal energy facility. This could meet 40% of the expected electricity needs in 2030, providing green electricity to the small, remote island nation’s 50 000 people and 70 000 sheep. Unlocking the power of the tides is a joint work together with power company, Sev.
“Our vision is to reach 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, and we believe that tidal power may prove to become a vital part of this journey,” says Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of the Faroese electricity company, Sev.
SKF was brought on board to design the bearing and sealing systems for the rudders and elevators of the kites. The SKF software system calculates bearing rating life and estimates CO2 emissions, which makes it possible to compare different solutions not only from a technical perspective but also from a sustainability point of view.
“Collaboration across industries is essential for progress. Together with Minesto, we are demonstrating how technology and innovation can drive the transition to renewable energy,” says Ölme.
By framing it as a space programme that never leaves earth, the partners aim to emphasise the importance of exploring how we can harness the moon’s energy to generate renewable energy through tidal forces, amidst a new space race where many are discussing the potential of extracting resources from space and other planets.
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