Harnessing the Moon's Power: A Revolutionary Tidal Energy Initiative from SKF and Minesto
Since its foundation in 1907, SKF has been at the forefront of manufacturing innovative bearing systems, seals, lubrication solutions, and condition monitoring services aimed at reducing friction. In a groundbreaking initiative, SKF is partnering with Minesto, a leader in ocean energy development, to launch a project that aims to harness the energy of the moon through tidal forces. This program, intriguingly termed as a space initiative, will not venture beyond our planet but instead focus on utilizing the abundant natural resources available here on Earth.
The backdrop of this project is the Faroe Islands, which hosts one of the world's most ambitious energy transition agendas, targeting a goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. The tidal energy project proposes a unique solution to meet this need: a tidal kite named "Luna" that operates underwater, harvesting energy from the tidal currents produced by the moon's gravitational pull.
Described as both invisible and silent, the Luna kite is designed to generate predictable and renewable energy across varying weather conditions. Minesto's CEO, Martin Edlund, expressed optimism about this collaborative venture, highlighting the potential reach of the technology. "We estimate that there are at least 3000 more Faroe Islands out there that qualify for our space program. If they all join in, moon energy could replace all coal power capacity currently being developed globally," he stated.
The innovations brought forth by this tidal energy kite are significant. With a nominal output of 12 MW, the Luna is capable of supplying enough electricity to power 200 villas for an entire year. Minesto's ambition doesn't stop there; they plan to implement a tidal energy facility with a capacity of 200 MW, which could meet around 40% of the anticipated electricity requirements for 2030, providing sustainable power to the small island nation of approximately 50,000 residents and 70,000 sheep.
The collaboration with the local electricity company, Sev, is aimed at fulfilling the vision of achieving a fully renewable electricity grid by 2030. Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of Sev, noted the potential significance of tidal energy in reaching this goal, stating, "We believe that tidal power could prove to be an important part of this journey."
Key to this initiative is the integration of SKF’s engineering expertise, particularly in the design of bearing and sealing systems that are critical to the kites' rudders and elevators. SKF’s software evaluates bearing lifespans and estimates CO2 emissions, facilitating sustainable comparisons between different technological solutions. Annika Ölme, technical director of SKF Group, asserts that interdisciplinary collaboration is essential for driving progress in the transition to renewable energy. "Together with Minesto, we demonstrate how technology and innovation can drive this transition," she remarked.
By branding this effort as a space program that never leaves Earth, SKF and Minesto emphasize the vitality of utilizing the existing resources on our planet. Tidal energy, a form of ocean energy, is regarded as local and renewable, providing predictable energy that complements established renewable sources like wind and solar.
According to the International Energy Agency, 80 percent of global electricity is currently generated from fossil fuels. However, with the advancement of ocean energy technology, there is potential for ocean energy to supply up to 10 percent of Europe's electricity and create approximately 400,000 jobs by 2050, as estimated by Ocean Energy Europe. This shift towards sustainable energy sources is critical as we move towards a greener future, proving that with innovations like the Luna tidal kite, the dream of clean energy can be transformed into reality.
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