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A space program that never leaves Earth

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GOTHENBURG, Sweden, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — While others race to the moon and back, the Faroe Islands space program takes a bold new step in space exploration-without ever leaving Earth. One of the largest bearing manufacturers SKF, and ocean energy developer Minesto are launching a space program to harness the Moon’s energy by leveraging the power of the tides. This space program aims to utilize the resources we already have right here on 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 outside 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 – no matter the weather. Today, only a few of the countries with favorable tidal current conditions are beginning to utilize the full potential of moon generated energy – the most predictable renewable 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 3000 more “Faroe Islands” out there qualifying for our space program – if they all join, moon energy could replace all coal power capacity currently under development globally.”

The established tidal energy facility – a moon energy base – will kick off the Faroe Islands Space Program, firmly grounded on Earth. The kite Luna has a rated power of 1.2 MW, enough to power 200 villas with electricity for one year. The next goal is to implement a new 200 MW tidal energy facility. This could meet 40% of the expected electricity needs in 2030, providing green electricity to the small, remote island nation’s 50,000 people and 70,000 sheep. Unlocking the power of the tides is a joint work together with power 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, CEO of the Faroese electricity company Sev.

SKF was brought on board to design the bearing and sealing systems for the rudders and elevators of the kites. The SKF software system calculates, for example, bearing rating life and estimates CO2 emissions, which makes it possible to compare different solutions not only from a technical perspective but also from a sustainability point of view.

“Collaboration across industries is essential for progress. Together with Minesto, we are demonstrating how technology and innovation can drive the transition to renewable energy,” says Annika Ölme, CTO & SVP, Technology Development, SKF.

By framing it as a space program (that never leaves earth), the partners aim to emphasize the importance of exploring how we can harness the Moon’s energy to generate renewable energy through tidal forces—amidst a new space race where many are discussing the potential of extracting resources from space and other planets.

Short facts tidal and ocean energy:

According to the International Energy Agency, 80 % of global electricity currently 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.

Source:

World Energy Outlook 2024 

Ocean energy – European Commission

Minesto | Ocean energy

Dashboard – Global Energy Monitor  “610 GW Coal Power Capacity Under Development”

Disclaimers 

The mission of the Faroe Islands energy company SEV, to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030, is not indicative of the displayed product’s full supply chain impact.

Calculated on an example villa with an energy consumption of 17.000 kWh/year. For average consumption data, please refer to country- specific sources such as Vattenfall

Aktiebolaget SKF

      (publ)

For further information, please contact:

Press Relations: Press Relations: Sian How, +447970 737470; sian.how@skf.com 
Karin Markhede, +46 70 758 87 30; karin.markhede@skf.com 

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/a-space-program-that-never-leaves-earth,c4124396

The following files are available for download:

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-fisp-press-image-kite-launch-16×9,c3391154

SKF FISP Press Image Kite launch 16×9

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-fisp-press-image-kite-night-16×9,c3391158

SKF FISP Press image Kite night 16×9

https://mb.cision.com/Public/637/4124396/b3a6f6438953e925.pdf

About The Faroe Islands Space Program Fact sheet

https://mb.cision.com/Public/637/4124396/b8aa410e2aaf474a.pdf

Annika Ölme – Profile

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-annika-olme-cto,c3391152

SKF Annika Ölme CTO

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-fisp-press-image-cliff-ocean-16×9,c3391153

SKF FISP Press image Cliff Ocean 16×9

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-fisp-press-image-tides-16×9,c3391156

SKF FISP press image Tides 16×9

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-fisp-press-image-employees-group-16×9,c3391157

SKF FISP press image Employees Group 16×9

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-fisp-press-image-kite-info-16×9,c3391159

SKF FISP press image Kite info 16×9

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/skf-fisp-press-image-employees-16×9,c3391160

SKF FISP press image Employees 16×9

https://news.cision.com/skf/i/minesto-chief-executive-officer—martin-edlund,c3391161

Minesto Chief Executive Officer – Martin Edlund

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/a-space-program-that-never-leaves-earth-302413157.html

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Purcell leads the way: First Irish contractor to adopt digital procurement

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Purcell adopts an innovative digital procurement solution ProcurePro, setting the pace for innovation in Ireland’s construction sector

DUBLIN, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Purcell, one of Ireland’s leading building contractors, is set to be the first in the country to implement ProcurePro, a modern construction procurement solution, digitising their procurement process end-to-end. Purcell is taking the lead in transforming how procurement is managed across the sector, setting a bold new precedent for the industry.

Ireland’s construction sector is in an ongoing struggle with outdated processes. When asked about the industry’s readiness to digitise back in October, PJ Rudden, chair of Construction Innovation and Digital Adoption, replied, “The industry is coming with us, but it’s slow.”

The truth is, digitalisation is happening across construction, onsite and offsite, but one area that hasn’t developed past 1995 is procurement. Most firms would freely admit they still rely on inefficient spreadsheets and fragmented communication methods. As the sector faces growing pressure to improve project delivery times and manage complex supply chains more effectively, Purcell’s move to digital procurement marks a pivotal shift towards greater efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness.

According to the Construction Industry Forecast (CIS), Irish construction project growth is projected to increase by 6% in 2025, with a total value of €850 million for projects under €100 million.

This growth presents both significant opportunities and challenges for Irish contractors, who must adapt to meet the rising demand for faster, more efficient project delivery. Purcell’s embrace of digital procurement technology positions the company to capitalise on these opportunities while streamlining operations and reducing risk.

“The construction industry in Ireland is at a crossroads,” said Tom Whelan, Commercial Director, Purcell Construction. “To remain competitive and deliver projects more effectively, we knew we had to embrace innovation. Digital procurement isn’t just a trend — it’s a necessity. We’re leading by example, showing that contractors can stay ahead by moving away from outdated methods to smarter, more streamlined solutions like ProcurePro.”

Purcell’s adoption of digital procurement technology improves operational efficiency, reduces risk, and enhances visibility over every step of the procurement process. This move brings procurement processes in line with the expectations of a modern construction industry — smarter, data-driven solutions that help contractors navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

Purcell’s leadership in digital procurement will likely serve as a catalyst for other Irish contractors, setting the stage for widespread adoption of digital tools across the sector. With project timelines shrinking and competition intensifying, the Irish construction industry is primed for a digital transformation, and Purcell is at the forefront of that change.

“Purcell’s decision to lead the way in digitising their procurement processes will undoubtedly inspire other Irish contractors to follow suit,” said Alastair Blenkin, Founder & CEO, ProcurePro. “This is a defining moment for the industry — innovation like this will drive efficiencies that benefit not just contractors, but also their clients, supply chains, and the wider economy.”

Purcell’s commitment to digital procurement is a crucial step in ensuring Ireland remains competitive in the global construction market.

As more contractors follow Purcell’s lead, digital procurement will surely become the standard across the Irish construction industry.

About Purcell

Purcell Construction is a leading Irish building contractor, delivering high-quality projects from its offices in Galway and Dublin. Known for its strong commitment to safety, quality, and sustainability, the company has earned a reputation for exceeding client expectations across sectors including commercial, education, healthcare, and residential.

About ProcurePro

ProcurePro is The Procurement Software for the Construction Industry, helping Head Contractors compare, select, approve and contract Subcontractors on a single platform.

Procurement is mission-critical to the success of a project, but current methods are inefficient and expensive. ProcurePro solves this by transforming the procurement process enabling consistency, early risk identification and enhancing project profitability – double the quality while saving more than 50% of time spent procuring.

Contact
Emily Broom,
emily.broom@procuerpro.co

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2664982/Purcell_ProcurePro.jpg
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2522492/5194338/ProcurePro_Logo.jpg

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/purcell-leads-the-way-first-irish-contractor-to-adopt-digital-procurement-302428643.html

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Six Leaders Recognized As 2025 SEAL Sustainability Leader Award Winners

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SEAL has announced the six winners of its 2025 Sustainability Leadership Awards, an ESG leadership award honoring the top executive leaders in Sustainability, EHS, and CSR.

SAN DIEGO, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — SEAL has announced the six winners of its 2025 Sustainability Leadership Awards, an ESG leadership award honoring the top executive leaders in Sustainability, EHS, and CSR.

“Sustainability leaders continue to push boundaries despite the challenges they face—from evolving regulations to resource constraints. Our 2025 honorees exemplify the innovation, resilience, and impact that define excellence in ESG leadership today.”

“Sustainability leaders continue to push boundaries despite the challenges they face—from evolving regulations to resource constraints,” said Arabella Solaybar, Executive Producer of SEAL Awards. “Our 2025 honorees exemplify the innovation, resilience, and impact that define excellence in ESG leadership today.”

Driven by a record number of peer/employee nominations, the 2025 Sustainability Leader Award Winners were selected based on their track record of achieving ESG goals, leadership skills, and ability to attract and retain talent.

Additionally, Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS)-like data points were incorporated along with each executive’s specific accomplishments.

SUSTAINABILITY LEADER AWARD WINNERS

Dr. Roger Achkar — Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN)Jose Ricardo Aguilar — First Citizens BankSandeep Chandna — Tech Mahindra LimitedNick Doman — Ocean BottleChris Kemper — PalmettoEnrique Perez — Chef Works

SELECTED SUSTAINABILITY LEADER AWARD WINNER PERSPECTIVES

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as a winner of the SEAL 2025 Sustainability Leader Award. This accolade is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN) team and our collective commitment to environmental stewardship. Our mission to combat global environmental challenges is more crucial than ever, and this recognition fuels our resolve to drive impactful change. Together, we are paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable world.” — Dr. Roger Achkar, Founder of the Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN)

“I’m honoured to be recognised as a SEAL Sustainability Leader alongside such inspiring changemakers. At Ocean Bottle, we believe business has a vital role to play in creating lasting impact for both people and the planet. This award reinforces our commitment to tackling ocean plastic at its source while empowering coastal communities with social and economic opportunities. It’s a powerful reminder that collective action can drive real change.” — Nick Doman, Co-Founder and CEO, Ocean Bottle

“I am excited and honored to be among the six leaders recognized with the prestigious Sustainability Leader award. At Tech Mahindra, we have been relentlessly working towards advancing our sustainability initiatives. We believe in driving transformative change and setting industry benchmarks through our sustainability efforts, not just within our organization but also by empowering our clients to accelerate their own ESG transformations. This recognition is a reflection of the collective efforts of my team and our shared vision of making a significant impact towards a more sustainable future.” — Sandeep Chandna, Chief Sustainability Officer at Tech Mahindra

For companies interested in entering our 2026 SEAL Business Sustainability Awards, please RSVP below:

2026 SEAL Business Sustainability Award

2026 SEAL Sustainability Leader Award Nominations:

Nominations for 2026 can be submitted at: https://forms.gle/LXL5bYbnCy4kp1Kq8

ABOUT THE SEAL AWARDS

SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement & Leadership) Awards is an environmental advocacy organization that honors leadership through our business sustainability awards & environmental journalism awards while funding research and pursuing our own environmental impact campaigns.

The SEAL Awards’ core pillars are:

Business Sustainability Awards – honors the most sustainable companies in the world, like Adidas, AMD, Cisco, and TideEnvironmental Journalism Awards – representative past winners include journalists from Guardian, New York Times, and GristImpact Campaigns – representative campaigns include “#UpTheCup” and “Eco RewardsEnvironmental Research Grants – we funded a researcher in Ethiopia for 2022.

Media Contact

Matthew Harney, SEAL Awards, 5889574226, operations@sealawards.com, www.sealawards.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/six-leaders-recognized-as-2025-seal-sustainability-leader-award-winners-302427285.html

SOURCE SEAL Awards

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myTomorrows and Scout Clinical Partner to Provide Cross-Border Patient Recruitment for Clinical Trials

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This innovative tech collaboration addresses emotional, logistical and financial challenges associated with international clinical trial recruitment, accelerating access to groundbreaking treatments globally.

AMSTERDAM, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ —  myTomorrows, a global health technology company connecting patients with all possible treatment options, has announced a new partnership with Scout, a leader in services and technology for the biopharmaceutical industry. Together, they aim to streamline and enhance cross-border patient recruitment for clinical trials. This will be achieved by addressing complex financial and logistical arrangements on behalf of patients, families, and caregivers, ensuring they are spared the challenges typically associated with accessing potential pre-approval treatments.

Cross-border clinical research faces significant hurdles, from fragmented information systems and regulatory differences to complex visa and data privacy processes. Coupled with linguistic and cultural barriers, these challenges can impact communication and create delays. For rare disease trials or studies with strict eligibility criteria, they often prolong recruitment timelines, raise costs, and limit patient diversity, hindering access to developing therapies.

Through this partnership, the patient journey is optimized by connecting trial matching to personalized domestic and cross-border support services. While myTomorrows’ Patient Navigator team supports patients with initial trial option identification and pre-screening, the Scout Clinical service line offers services such as travel arrangements, expense reimbursements, pre-funded debit cards for out-of-pocket costs, and accommodation support, including short-term lodging and long-term housing for relocated patients and families. Visa and entry and exit assistance further reduce the burden on patients, families, and caregivers.

“Our partnership with myTomorrows is a win-win for all stakeholders across the clinical trial ecosystem,” said Scout CEO Moisha Platto. “By addressing key barriers early, sites can efficiently manage international patient intake and expand their reach. Patients will benefit from a clearer understanding of the process and access to a wider range of potential treatment options. This approach simplifies enrollment and enhances the overall experience for patients and their families, improving retention rates and ensuring comprehensive support every step of the way.”

The partnership will deliver services that combine advanced logistics and precision AI to revolutionize recruitment outcomes. Scout expands global patient reach, diversifies enrollment pools, and streamlines trial operations, making it easier for researchers to meet recruitment goals.

Meanwhile, myTomorrows’ AI platform identifies potentially eligible trial options within seconds, delivering a 90% reduction in eligibility criteria checking time for physicians compared to manual processes—alleviating administrative burden and enhancing screening efficiency. Together, they deliver faster, more effective recruitment while upholding international data protection regulations.

“By removing barriers and overcoming the geographic silos of traditional trials, we provide every patient, regardless of location or personal circumstances, with a real opportunity to participate” said Michel van Harten, MD, CEO of myTomorrows. “By partnering with Scout Clinical, we aim to make clinical research more viable and accessible, by connecting to trial sites beyond their immediate proximity, whether across borders or within large domestic regions. Our inventive approach directly addresses the industry’s critical need to expand patient access whilst easing logistical burdens for patients and their families. By breaking down these barriers we materially improve the patient journey and accelerate clinical research.”

The collaboration between these two organizations marks a pivotal step in advancing global clinical research, ensuring that patients worldwide have greater access to potentially life-changing treatments.

About myTomorrows:

myTomorrows is a global healthtech company dedicated to breaking down barriers for patients seeking treatment options. To make this a reality, the company has built a unique and powerful proprietary technology that conducts a comprehensive and accurate search of clinical trials, and where appropriate, Expanded Access Programs, from global public registries. This functionality efficiently connects patients, physicians, trial sites and BioPharma to simplify and accelerate access to drugs in development. Headquartered in Amsterdam with an office in New York City, myTomorrows has helped more than 15,300 patients and 2,400 physicians across 240+ sites in over 128 countries.

mytomorrows.com

myTomorrows Media Contact: 
Kate Schoenstadt
Headline Media
kate@headline.media
+972 54 777 6684

About Scout:

Scout empowers the life sciences industry with people-first solutions: Scout Meetings, Scout Clinical, and Scout Academy. We specialize in face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid clinical meeting planning, patient payment, travel, and logistics support, and virtual collaboration and education. Since 1995, we’ve been a trusted partner in customer service, regulatory compliance, and project delivery for leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Our deep understanding of international regulations and adaptable network of resources is built on operational experience in 109 countries. With white-glove attention to detail and a customizable, comprehensive range of services, Scout makes the complex easier. Visit scoutclinical.com

Scout Media Contact:
Erin Deneckere
Scout
erin.deneckere@scoutclinical.com
+1 972 503 6119

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mytomorrows-and-scout-clinical-partner-to-provide-cross-border-patient-recruitment-for-clinical-trials-302427573.html

SOURCE myTomorrows and Scout Clinical

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