SKF and Minesto to launch space programme aiming to harness Moon’s energy

By leveraging the power of the tides, this space programme aims to utilise the resources we already have on earth.

While others race to the moon and back, the Faroe Islands space program takes a bold new step in space exploration—without ever leaving Earth. One of the largest bearing manufacturers SKF, and ocean energy developer Minesto are launching a space program 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 & SVP, Technology Development, SKF.

Over the past year, SKF and Minesto have been pioneering tidal energy using tidal kites in the Atlantic Sea outside 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 is flying underwater, invisibly and silently harvesting energy from the Moon – no matter the weather. Today, only a few of the countries with favorable 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 program – if they all join, moon energy could replace all coal power capacity currently under development globally.”

The established tidal energy facility – a moon energy base – will kick off the Faroe Islands Space Program, firmly grounded on Earth. The kite Luna 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, for example, 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 Annika Ölme, CTO & SVP, Technology Development, SKF.

Adding to this, SKF’s presence in key global markets, including India and Southeast Asia, highlights the broader potential of tidal energy solutions.

“This collaboration with Minesto represents a breakthrough in how we approach renewable energy, utilizing the Moon’s gravitational pull to create a steady and predictable power source,” says Sujeeth Pai, Director Industrial Market, SKF India Ltd. “As countries like India aim for energy security and sustainability, solutions like tidal energy offer immense potential, particularly for coastal regions. At SKF, we are committed to enabling this transformation through our advanced bearing and sealing technologies, ensuring long-term efficiency and reliability of tidal energy systems. The Faroe Islands project serves as a model that could be replicated in regions with high tidal energy potential, contributing to a cleaner global energy mix.”

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.