TÓRSHAVN, FAROE ISLANDS – In a groundbreaking move for renewable energy, the Faroe Islands has unveiled a pioneering marine technology that harnesses lunar gravitational forces to generate electricity. This small European nation of approximately 54,000 inhabitants is now at the forefront of ocean energy innovation, surpassing even technological giants like the United States and China.
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.
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 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,” said Edlund.
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.
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.
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.