In a groundbreaking development for renewable energy, the Faroe Islands has launched an innovative marine technology that harnesses lunar gravitational forces to generate electricity. This small European nation of approximately 54,000 inhabitants has pioneered a solution that even technological giants like the United States and China haven’t yet explored, positioning this Nordic archipelago at the forefront of ocean energy innovation.

Lunar gravity powers revolutionary underwater technology

The Faroe Islands Space Program has developed Luna 12, an underwater kite system that captures tidal energy influenced by lunar gravity. Unlike traditional space programs focused on rockets and satellites, this initiative targets the predictable power of ocean currents affected by the moon’s gravitational pull.

Installed at approximately 60 meters beneath the ocean surface, Luna 12 operates like a submerged wind turbine, moving in controlled trajectories to capture kinetic energy from marine currents. The system generates 1.2 megawatts of power—enough to supply approximately 200 homes with electricity for a year.

After successful testing in the North Atlantic, Luna 12 now connects directly to the Faroese electrical grid, marking a world first for this design approach. This achievement stands in stark contrast to other energy pursuits like China’s massive nuclear fusion center currently under construction, which requires substantial infrastructure and investment.

The underwater kite technology offers significant advantages over conventional energy systems, requiring minimal infrastructure for deployment while delivering predictable renewable power. This approach differs fundamentally from existing tidal energy solutions worldwide, including France’s La Rance tidal power station and various South Korean initiatives.

Nordic collaboration drives marine energy innovation

Three key partners have united behind this ambitious project. Minesto, the primary developer, designed the core technology while Swedish engineering firm SKF (founded in 1907) created critical control surface components and bearing systems essential for underwater operation.

The local energy utility SEV manages grid connection infrastructure, integrating this innovative power source into the existing network. Together, these organizations aim to transform the Faroe Islands into a 100% renewable energy territory by 2030.

Martin Edlund, Minesto’s CEO, envisions a broader application for the Luna 12 system beyond the Faroe Islands, identifying over 3,000 potential deployment sites worldwide. This technology could complement other renewable initiatives like China’s massive 250-mile solar park powering Beijing, diversifying the global clean energy portfolio.

Engineering challenges for underwater operation required specialized solutions. SKF engineer Yvonne Rydberg participated in designing watertight bearing systems capable of withstanding the corrosive saltwater environment. The team employed sophisticated SimPro modeling tools to anticipate mechanical stresses before they became operational issues.

The unique geography powering lunar energy ambitions

The Faroe Islands’ location proves ideal for this technology. Situated in the North Atlantic between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland, this autonomous Danish territory consists of 18 volcanic islands experiencing powerful and predictable ocean currents.

With its capital Tórshavn serving as the cultural and political center, this territory traditionally relies on fishing as its primary economic activity. The archipelago lies approximately 322 kilometers from Scottish shores, placing it perfectly to harness Atlantic tidal flows influenced by lunar cycles.

The region’s unique positioning allows for consistent energy generation that, unlike solar or conventional wind power, remains predictable regardless of weather conditions. This predictability represents a significant advantage over other renewable energy sources and approaches the reliability of the most efficient heating systems in terms of energy consistency.

Astronomers have long studied lunar gravitational effects on Earth, with some now using advanced telescope technology that might reveal our solar system’s ninth planet. The Faroe Islands Space Program applies this astronomical knowledge directly to energy production, demonstrating how celestial mechanics can power earthly needs.

Scaling lunar power for global application

The Faroe Islands program now targets an ambitious expansion to approximately 200 megawatts capacity by 2030. This enhancement would supply roughly 40% of the archipelago’s electricity needs while demonstrating the technology’s viability for large-scale deployment.

According to Minesto’s analysis, exploitable global current potential using this technology approaches 650 gigawatts—exceeding current worldwide nuclear power capacity. Unlike nuclear energy, this system produces no waste and requires no fuel, relying solely on mechanical engineering principles and lunar gravitational force.

This innovative approach demonstrates how small nations can pioneer solutions that even technological superpowers haven’t yet developed, potentially transforming global renewable energy landscapes through creative application of natural forces that have influenced our planet for billions of years.