In a world increasingly powered by innovation, the Faroe Islands are quietly making waves, literally. With a population of just over 50,000, this remote North Atlantic archipelago is home to one of Earth’s most fascinating clean energy experiments. It’s a project that doesn’t aim to reach space but is undeniably powered by the Moon.
The Moon’s Pull, Reimagined
Tides are one of the most predictable forces in nature. Controlled by the gravitational pull of the Moon, they rise and fall like clockwork. And now, thanks to cutting-edge technology, this celestial rhythm is being harnessed beneath the ocean’s surface to generate electricity.
The project centers around an innovative concept: underwater tidal kites. Developed by Swedish tech firm Minesto, with critical mechanical systems supplied by engineering giant SKF, these sleek, winged devices resemble underwater drones or gliders. But instead of flying through the air, they “fly” through ocean currents, capturing kinetic energy and converting it into high-efficiency and durable electricity, even in low-flow environments like those around the Faroe Islands.
One such kite, aptly named Luna, boasts a rated power of 1.2 megawatts (MW), enough to power 200 homes for an entire year. This marks a significant milestone: the official launch of the Faroe Islands’ Space Program not into the cosmos but firmly grounded in Earth’s oceans.
A New Era of Subsea Power
What makes these tidal kites so revolutionary? Unlike traditional tidal turbines, which require fast-moving water to operate efficiently, Minesto’s technology thrives in low-flow tidal environments like those found around the Faroe Islands.
Each subsea kite is tethered to the seabed and carries a small onboard turbine. As the kite glides in a figure-eight motion through the current, water flows through the turbine, generating clean electricity. It’s silent, sustainable, and completely hidden from view.
This method is often compared to wind turbines, but instead of catching gusts of wind, these devices catch the Moon’s influence on the ocean, a near-constant, renewable energy source.
Why the Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but operate with a high degree of autonomy, especially regarding environmental policy. With limited land resources and a strong fishing industry already intertwined with the sea, it’s the perfect testbed for underwater energy tech.
The islands aim to transition to 100% renewable electricity by 2030, and projects like Minesto’s are critical to reaching that goal. Partnering with the local electric utility SEV, the pilot project has already shown promising results, providing stable, carbon-free power to homes and businesses.
“Our vision is to reach 100% renewable electricity generation by 2030, and we believe that tidal power may become a vital part of this journey,” says Hákun Djurhuus, CEO of the Faroese electricity company SEV.
Scaling the Vision: From 1.2 MW to 200 MW
While Luna’s success is impressive, it’s only the beginning. The next goal is to develop a 200 MW tidal energy facility, a significant expansion that could cover up to 40% of the Faroe Islands’ projected electricity needs by 2030.
This effort doesn’t just aim to power the 50,000 residents; it’s also designed to support the island’s 70,000 sheep, a nod to its unique population balance and rural charm.
This ambitious scale-up is part of the newly established tidal energy site now referred to as a “Moon Energy Base.” And with it, the Faroe Islands Space Program officially begins not with rockets but with currents, cables, and cutting-edge tech inspired by space engineering.
Clean Energy, Minimal Impact
One of the standout features of this technology is its minimal environmental footprint. Because the kites move quietly underwater and are installed well below the surface, they pose little threat to marine life or shipping routes. They also don’t require extensive infrastructure like dams or offshore wind farms.
It’s a clean solution in every sense, both technologically and environmentally.
A Space Program That Never Leaves Earth
The project is often described as a “space program” that never leaves Earth. Why? Because the level of engineering precision, futuristic design, and long-term ambition rivals that of interstellar missions. The only difference is that this innovation stays grounded, well, submerged.
While it may not dominate headlines like rocket launches or electric cars, this quiet revolution in the Faroe Islands could have global implications for how we think about energy, sustainability, and the future of tech on our planet.
Final Thoughts
As the world races toward net-zero goals, the Faroe Islands prove that you don’t need a big population or a launchpad to lead the way in innovation. By harnessing the Moon’s steady pull and with contributions from energy pioneers like Minesto and industrial innovators like SKF, they are pioneering a cleaner, quieter form of power right beneath the waves.
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