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EuropeHarnessing the Moon: The Innovative Tidal Energy Project Transforming the Faroe Islands
Since 1907, SKF has been at the forefront of manufacturing innovative bearings, seals, lubrication systems, and condition monitoring solutions aimed at reducing friction. Now, in a remarkable partnership with Minesto, a leading marine energy developer, SKF is launching a unique space program that aims to harness the energy of the moon through tidal forces, without ever leaving Earth.
This groundbreaking initiative aligns with the Faroe Islands' ambitious goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. The project introduces an 'invisible and silent tidal kite,' which does not soar into space, but rather dives into the depths of the ocean to capture energy from tidal currents driven by the gravitational pull of the moon.
After successfully launching, Minesto’s tidal kite, named Luna, operates underwater, quietly harvesting energy regardless of weather conditions. Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, expresses the unique experience of blending technology development with a global industrial company like SKF, stating, "For us as a technology development company working with a global industrial company like SKF is both an educational experience and an inspiration."
According to estimates, there could be as many as 3000 potential sites for similar projects as the Faroe Islands, suggesting that global energy landscapes could shift dramatically if the lunar energy concept takes off. This technology has the potential to replace all coal power capacity currently in development worldwide.
The Luna energy kite boasts a nominal power of 12 MW, enough to power 200 villas for an entire year. Looking ahead, Minesto envisions developing a new tidal energy facility with a capacity of 200 MW—set to meet 40% of the electricity needs of the Faroe Islands by 2030. This innovative approach would provide the remote island nation, home to approximately 50,000 residents and 70,000 sheep, with sustainable and green electricity. Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of the Faroese utility Sev, underscores the importance of this collaboration, stating, "Our vision is to reach 100 percent renewable electricity production by 2030 and we believe that tidal power could prove to be an important part of this journey."
Collaboration is a vital theme within this project. SKF has designed the bearing and sealing systems essential for the kite's rudders and elevators. Additionally, SKF’s software evaluates the lifespan of the bearings and estimates CO2 emissions, facilitating a comparative analysis of various solutions from both technical and sustainability viewpoints. Annika Ölme, Chief Technology Officer for the SKF Group, emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, remarking, "Together with Minesto, we demonstrate how technology and innovation can drive the transition to renewable energy."
Framing this project as a space program that never leaves Earth serves to highlight the necessity of tapping into the resources available on our planet to generate renewable energy through tidal forces. While the International Energy Agency reports that 80% of the world’s electricity still depends on fossil fuels, marine energy is poised to play an increasingly significant role in the global energy landscape by 2050.
Marine energy, being local and renewable, could eventually contribute significantly to Europe’s electricity needs, with Ocean Energy Europe estimating it could supply 10% of Europe’s electricity and create around 400,000 qualified jobs by 2050. Projects like the lunar tidal kite in the Faroe Islands illuminate the path toward a sustainable energy future, where innovation and collaboration pave the way for securing our planet's resources and addressing pressing climate challenges.
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