Since 1907, SKF has been manufacturing some of the world’s most innovative bearings, seals, lubrication systems, condition monitoring solutions, and services to reduce friction.
Now, SKF, in collaboration with Minesto, a leading developer in ocean energy, is launching a space program aimed at harnessing the moon’s energy by using the power of tides. This is a space program that never intends to leave Earth but instead utilizes the resources we already have here.
The Faroe Islands have one of the world’s most ambitious energy transition programs, aiming to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Invisible and silent tidal kite The space project addresses the growing need for renewable energy. The spacecraft will not travel upwards; they will travel downwards, and their turbines will harvest energy from the daily tidal currents.
Minesto, with the help of SKF, has developed an innovation: a tidal kite that, through the moon’s power, creates predictable and renewable energy.
After its successful launch at sea, the tidal kite “Luna” flies underwater, invisible and silent, harvesting energy from water currents generated by the moon’s gravitational pull – regardless of the weather.
“For us, as a technology development company, working with a global industrial company like SKF is both an educational experience and an inspiration,” says Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto.
“We appreciate that there are at least 3,000 more ‘Faroe Islands’ out there that qualify for our space program – if they all join, lunar energy could replace all coal power capacity currently being developed globally.”
200 homes with energy The energy kite “Luna” has a nominal capacity of 1.2 MW, which is enough to supply 200 homes with electricity for a year*. Minesto’s next goal is to implement a new tidal energy plant with a 200 MW capacity. This could meet 40 percent of the expected electricity needs by 2030 and provide the small, remote island nation of 50,000 people and 70,000 sheep with green electricity. Unlocking the power of tides is a joint effort with the local utility company Sev:
“Our vision is to achieve 100 percent renewable electricity production by 2030, and we believe tidal power could prove to be an important part of this journey,” says Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of the Faroese utility company Sev.
“Collaboration is key” SKF has designed the bearing and sealing systems for the kites’ rudders and elevators, and SKF’s software system calculates, for example, the bearing’s lifespan and estimates CO2 emissions. This makes it possible to compare different solutions not only from a technical perspective but also from a sustainability perspective.
“Collaboration across industries is crucial for progress. Together with Minesto, we show how technology and innovation can drive the transition to renewable energy,” says Annika Ölme, Technical Director for the SKF Group.
By framing it all as a space program – one that never leaves Earth – the partners aim to emphasize the importance of exploring how we can harness the moon’s energy to generate renewable energy through tidal forces. By calling the project a space program that never leaves Earth, the partners want to highlight the significance of utilizing the resources we already have here on our planet.
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