MechChem Africa May-June 2025

⎪ Back page ⎪ Bearing manufacturer, SKF, and ocean energy developer, Minesto, are launching a ‘space programme’ in the Faroe Islands to harness the Moon’s energy by leveraging the power of the tides: utilising the resources we already have right here on Earth. A space programme that never leaves Earth

to the small, remote island nation’s 50 000 people and 70 000 sheep. Unlocking the power of the tides in the Faroe Islands is a joint venture with the Faroese electricity 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, Sev CEO. SKF was brought on board to design the bearing and sealing systems for the rud ders and elevators of the kites. The SKF software system calculates, for example, rated bearing life and estimates CO 2 emis sions, which makes it possible to compare

different solutions, not only from a technical perspective but also from a sustainability point of view. “Collaboration

Minesto’s latest tidal kite, Luna, has a rated power of 1.2 MW. Minesto has developed a 200 MW plan for large-scale buildout of tidal energy arrays in the Faroe Islands for the supply 40% of the Faroe Islands’ growing electricity consumption.

W hile others race to the moon and back, the Faroe Islands space programme takes a bold new step in space explo ration – without ever leaving 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 around 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 – regardless of the weather. Only a few of the countries in the world have favourable tidal current conditions for utilising the full potential of moon generated energy, which could be the most predictable re newable 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 3 000 more ‘Faroe Islands’ out there qualifying for our space programme, and if they all adopt this technology, moon energy could replace all of the coal-fired capacity currently under development

across the globe,” he adds. The established tidal energy facility – a moon energy base – will kick off the Faroe Islands Space Programme while firmly grounded on Earth. Luna, Minesto’s latest tidal kite, has a rated power of 1.2 MW, enough to power 200 villas with electric ity for one year. The next goal is to implement a new 200 W tidal energy facility, which could meet 40% of the expected electricity de mand for 2030, providing green electricity

across industries is es sential for progress. Together with Minesto, we are demonstrating how technology and in novation can drive the transition to renewable energy,” Annika Ölme of SKF concludes. www.skf.com Scan this QR Code to watch an SKF video about the Faroe Islands space programme.

Tidal and ocean energy facts: • According to the International Energy Agency, 80% of global electricity cur rently comes from fossil fuels. • By 2050, ocean energy could potentially provide a substantial portion of the energy mix. Ocean energy is local, renewable and tides are predictable, which makes it the perfect partner to more established renewables like wind and solar. • Ocean energy Europe estimates that ocean energy can provide 10% of Europe’s electricity and create 400 000 skilled jobs by 2050.

40 ¦ MechChem Africa • May-June 2025