Harnessing the Moon's Energy: The Innovative Tidal Kite Program by SKF and Minesto
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 collaboration with Minesto, a pioneer in ocean energy solutions, SKF is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative—an unconventional space program intended to harness lunar energy through the forces of tides right here on Earth.
The Faroe Islands, known for their ambitious energy transition program, have set a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. The newly launched project promises to be a significant contributor to this vision, addressing the escalating demand for renewable energy.
This unique space project revolves around the development of what is essentially underwater vehicles—called tidal kites—which will not ascend into the sky but dive beneath the water's surface. With the moons' gravitational pull driving daily tidal currents, these innovative kites will cloak in invisibility and silence, enabling them to harvest energy consistently regardless of weather conditions.
Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, emphasizes the importance of this collaboration, stating, 'For us as a technology development company, working with a global industrial company like SKF is both an educational experience and an inspiration.' The tidal kite, named Luna, boasts a nominal power output of 12 MW, which is sufficient to supply 200 homes with electricity annually. Initially piloted in the sea, Luna is set to pave the way for a future tidal energy facility aimed at providing 200 MW, capable of fulfilling 40% of the Faroese electricity needs by 2030 and supplying green energy to an island population of 50,000 and 70,000 sheep.
The energy production undertaking relies on strong collaboration with local entities, namely Sev, the Faroese power company. According to Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of Sev, 'Our vision is to achieve 100% renewable electricity production by 2030, and we believe tidal power could turn out to be an important part of this journey.'
SKF's contributions are pivotal, providing advanced bearing and sealing systems for the kites as well as innovative software that predicts the lifespan of these components and estimates CO2 emissions. This allows for an evaluation that integrates both technical and sustainability measures, further underscoring the importance of inter-industry collaboration.
Annika Ölme, Chief Technology Officer for the SKF Group, reiterates this sentiment, stating, 'Together with Minesto, we demonstrate how technology and innovation can drive the transition to renewable energy.' The partners aim to differentiate their initiative by conceptualizing it as a space program that remains anchored to Earth, emphasizing the significance of leveraging natural resources available on our planet to generate renewable energy through tidal forces.
The significance of this initiative cannot be understated, especially considering that according to the International Energy Agency, 80% of global electricity currently derives from fossil fuels. By 2050, ocean energy has the potential to provide a substantial part of the global energy mix, with estimates suggesting it could supply 10% of Europe’s electricity and create approximately 400,000 skilled jobs.
As we look to the future, the tidal kite initiative by SKF and Minesto offers a glimpse into new possibilities for sustainable energy production that could reshape our reliance on fossil fuels, all while harnessing the powerful natural phenomena available in our own oceans. The world may indeed have many more ‘Faroe Islands’ ready to embrace the potential of tidal energy and pave the way for a greener, more sustainable future.
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