The Faroe Island Space Program (case study)

Around the world, governments and private companies are investing billions in space exploration in search of future energy resources. At the same time, one of the most powerful and predictable energy sources already influences our planet every day: the moon. SKF, whose mission is to reduce friction and make better use of existing resources, saw an opportunity to challenge the narrative that innovation must look beyond Earth. Instead of searching for energy in space, the brand asked a simple question: what if we could harness the moon’s power right here, right now?

SKF partnered with NORD DDB, Minesto and Faroese utility company SEV to launch the Faroe Islands Space Program—a space program that never leaves Earth. Using the language, symbolism and ambition of space exploration, the initiative repositioned tidal energy as an untapped lunar resource. The project transformed underwater tidal kites into “spacecrafts” powered by the moon’s gravitational pull, creating a bold and unexpected story that connected industrial innovation with a broader cultural conversation about the future of energy.

At the heart of the initiative were Minesto’s underwater tidal kites, installed in the North Atlantic Ocean around the Faroe Islands. Flying beneath the surface like spacecraft in orbit, the kites convert tidal currents into renewable electricity using energy generated by the moon. SKF brought the project to life through a global communications platform including documentary-style films, engineering content, earned media outreach and a dedicated digital experience. By blending scientific credibility with the excitement of a space mission, the campaign made a highly technical solution accessible and engaging to audiences far beyond the engineering community.

The Faroe Islands Space Program generated more than 1,250 media placements across 140 markets, earning coverage from major international outlets including BBC, BILD and Interesting Engineering. The campaign delivered a potential earned reach of over 500 million people, drove more than 500,000 visits to the campaign website and generated 25 million views across its technical and documentary content. Beyond awareness, the initiative strengthened SKF’s positioning as a clean-tech innovator and demonstrated how real-world innovation can create significant business and brand impact in the B2B sector.