As nations and private companies race to mine the Moon and beyond, a new frontier in space exploration is emerging—one that stays right here on Earth. The Faroe Islands Space Program is redefining exploration by harnessing the Moon’s gravitational pull to generate clean, predictable tidal energy. With 80% of global energy still derived from fossil fuels, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent. Tidal energy, with a global potential of 650 GW, remains vastly underutilized, yet could play an important part of the future energy mix. By leveraging the ocean’s natural rhythms, this initiative challenges traditional views on space exploration and highlights the need to make the most of the resources we already have.
“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”, says Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto, one of the initiators of the Faroe Islands Space Program.
Luna 12 is turning the tide for renewable energy
For the past year, global industry leader SKF, ocean energy developer Minesto, and one of the world’s smallest national energy companies, Sev, have been piloting Luna 12— a cutting-edge tidal kite designed to harness the Moon’s gravitational pull for predictable, renewable tidal energy off the coast of the Faroe Islands. Luna 12 is the first mega-watt kite at a capacity of 1.2 MW – enough to power 200 homes annually, no matter the weather. Following its success, the partners have demonstrated that tidal energy can be both cost-competitive and scalable—unlocking a powerful, untapped resource that could reshape the future of clean energy.
Now, as operations in the Faroe Islands transition to the next phase, SKF and Minesto are launching the Faroe Islands Space Program. The next goal of the program is to implement a 200 MW tidal energy array, supporting the small island nation’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030. Once operational, the facility could supply 40% of the territory’s expected electricity needs, delivering clean, reliable energy to its 50,000 residents and 70,000 sheep in this remote North Atlantic archipelago.
How SKF and Minesto are engineering innovation for a sustainable future
Since its founding in 1907, SKF has been at the forefront of innovation in bearings, seals, condition monitoring systems, lubrication systems, and related services—all designed with one primary goal: reducing friction. With applications spanning over 40 industries, these technologies play a crucial role in fighting friction and improving efficiency. Research shows that 20 percent of all energy consumed globally is used to overcome friction. By minimizing it, we can optimize resource use, particularly in energy production, where every unit generated should contribute to the power grid rather than being lost to friction.
“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, Chief Technology Officer and Senior Vice President of SKF.
Tethered to the seabed at a depth of ~50 meters and operating at speeds of 16 knots, the 12-meter-long (39.4-foot) Luna 12 kite withstands extreme forces, demanding precise engineering for smooth, controlled movement and durability. SKF was brought on board by Minesto to design the bearing and sealing systems for its rudders and elevators, optimizing performance under harsh conditions. Using advanced software, SKF also calculates bearing lifespan and CO2 emissions, helping engineers balance technical efficiency with sustainability. This initiative clearly shows how 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.
Why renewable and predictable moon energy is important for the Faroe Islands
The Moon’s gravitational pull is responsible for approximately 70% of tidal movement, making tidal energy, in essence, ‘moon energy’. Unlike solar, wind, and hydro power, which fluctuate with the weather, tidal energy is 100% predictable as it depends on the Moon’s orbit, which remains stable over long timescales. This predictability makes tidal energy a uniquely reliable renewable source.
The Faroe Islands’ slow-moving underwater currents pose a challenge for traditional tidal power systems, which struggle to generate sufficient energy in such conditions. This makes the region an ideal test site for Luna 12, a tidal kite designed to operate efficiently in low-flow environments. Using hydrodynamic lift, Luna 12 propels itself through ocean currents like a wind kite. Its autonomous control system steers it in a figure-eight trajectory, significantly increasing the speed of water flow through its turbine—allowing it to generate energy even in areas where conventional turbines fall short.
Sev, the Faroese municipally owned energy company, is actively supporting tidal energy development and has built key infrastructure to integrate Luna 12 into the electrical grid. With abundant natural resources and predictable tides, this project could play a crucial role in the Faroe Islands’ goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030. “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.
The Faroe Islands Space Program highlights how knowledge-sharing and collaboration drive sustainability, showcasing tidal energy’s vast untapped potential in the renewable energy landscape. It underscores the importance of leveraging existing natural resources to build a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
For more information on this project, please click here.
