This initiative focuses on utilizing renewable energy in Makassar, South Sulawesi, aiming to enhance community welfare and reduce carbon emissions.

In this carbon emission reduction effort, the photovoltaic systems installed by the CDSR team are designed to support various community initiatives, such as fisheries and clean water supply. 

“What we do can empower the community to install, operate, and maintain these systems. Meanwhile, the government is also beginning to implement online monitoring for energy reduction and carbon emissions,” said Dr. Rachmawan Budiarto, a UGM Department of Nuclear Engineering and Physics lecturer, on Friday, Oct. 10, 2024. 

The researcher from the UGM Center for Energy Studies (PSE UGM) mentioned that the CDSR team visited Makassar to evaluate the integration of sustainable technology into the daily lives of the community and government.

He noted that over the past four years, this international collaboration team has conducted surveys and analyses to develop further the Green Alley program initiated by the Makassar City Government. 

Additionally, planning and implementation of renewable energy technologies for various community-based activities have been carried out. 

“This team also empowers the community to operate and maintain existing systems through technology internalization,” he explained.

Regarding development, Dr. Budiarto stated that the leading technology implemented for renewable energy includes solar power plants for agriculture and fisheries and water supply pumping systems. 

“For accurate monitoring of energy usage, we have an online energy monitoring system that allows real-time monitoring of energy consumption and carbon emission reductions,” he clarified.

Furthermore, he indicated that this development is expected to have several impacts, ranging from economic aspects to energy independence on welfare. 

“In terms of economic impact, there will be savings in electricity costs, which can increase business profits or support business development. For instance, if there are power disruptions, this can also provide additional security for electricity supply,” he noted.

Dozens of locations in Makassar have been selected for technology development. 

Numerous green alleys were analyzed in the first three years, and in the last year, three community-based fisheries and water supply business locations were chosen.

Dr. Donny Koerniawan, a lecturer at the School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development at Bandung Institute of Technology, explained that this international collaboration team focuses on reducing carbon usage, exemplified through behavioral changes starting from city alleys, which serve as small spaces within the city. 

“We have implemented solar panel installations at three sites, which can significantly reduce energy consumption in each community,” he explained.

He mentioned that these solar panel installations began about two months ago, but the impacts are already evident within the communities. 

Dr. Koerniawan also emphasized that their goal is to achieve a net zero carbon community for Makassar.

Additionally, data generated through the online energy monitoring system provides real-time information on electricity from solar power plants and predictions of preventable carbon emissions. 

This data and analysis will serve as a basis for further technology development collaborations. 

“This data can also inform better decision-making towards a sustainable community,” he added.

Through this international collaboration, technology developers are working to implement renewable energy and energy monitoring technologies to build a net-zero carbon community in Makassar. 

This initiative demonstrates that sustainable development and community welfare enhancement can continue and inspires other development teams to pursue similar efforts in other regions.

Author: Lintang  

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Lintang

Artikel Building International Collaboration, UGM Advances Renewable Energy Technology Utilization pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Indonesia is also preparing to transition to renewable energy, and the UGM Center for Energy Studied (PSE UGM) is currently studying the country’s potential for hydrogen in collaboration with the University of Groningen.

UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia stated that hydrogen energy is a high-density energy source with low carbon emissions. However, she acknowledged that hydrogen implementation in Indonesia faces high costs and logistical issues. Extensive research collaboration is needed to advance this technology. 

“At UGM, we are committed to actively researching hydrogen technology,” said the rector at the opening of the summer course themed “Hydrogen’s Role in Energy Transition: Perspective and Challenges.” 

This course, organized in partnership with the University of Groningen, aims to provide deep and innovative insights into hydrogen energy.

PSE UGM Expert Team member Professor Deendarlianto discussed the development of a hydrogen valley or ecosystem around UGM’s campus. This ecosystem involves developing, producing, and storing hydrogen energy as part of a long-term collaboration. 

“This technological development must be accompanied by a multidisciplinary approach to assist the government in implementing hydrogen in Indonesia,” he said.

Professor Bayu Jayawardhana from the University of Groningen explained the growing adoption of hydrogen technology over the past decade in several countries, including the Netherlands. The collaboration between UGM and the University of Groningen will greatly aid in applying hydrogen energy. 

“Our experience and knowledge in Groningen can support the implementation of hydrogen in Indonesia’s unique context,” he stated.

Yvonne Klerks, the Education Attaché at the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta, emphasized the importance of hydrogen energy in the Netherlands, noting it as one of the largest hydrogen users after Germany. 

This dedication was further marked by the 2020 G20 agreement between the Indonesian and Dutch governments to combat the climate crisis.

In her address, Klerks expressed her appreciation for the educational collaboration between Indonesian and Dutch universities in this research field. 

“We hope this initiative will support research and educational collaboration between the Netherlands and Indonesia,” she said.

PSE UGM Head Professor Sarjiya highlighted hydrogen’s potential as an energy source. The collaboration with the University of Groningen allows UGM and Groningen to transfer knowledge on hydrogen utilization. 

“This course will focus on two main aspects: examining hydrogen from policy and technological perspectives,” he explained.

The summer course, running from August 19 to 23, 2024, is designed to offer in-depth and innovative insights into hydrogen energy. Participants will explore hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source in the first two days and policy strategies for a sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. 

From the third day onward, the focus will shift to the latest research and technological innovations in hydrogen production and applications, and challenges and solutions will be discussed. 

“Over these five days, participants will have the opportunity to learn from international and national experts and build networks with academics and practitioners in the field of hydrogen energy,” added Professor Sarjiya.

Author: Lazuardi

Editor: Gusti Grehenson

Post-editor: Afif

Artikel UGM and University of Groningen Explore Hydrogen Potential for Energy Transition in Indonesia pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Participants from six countries attended this event, including those from Pakistan, Nigeria, Malaysia, the Philippines, Slovakia, and Indonesia. 

The workshop featured three speakers: Dr. Rachmawan Budiarto, a researcher from PSE UGM; Dr. Lintang Nur Fadlillah, a researcher from PSLH UGM and Geography UGM; Novias Nurendra, Senior Advisor at PT Hutama Karya; and Nyoman Sweet Juniartini from the Bali Mangrove Care Forum, moderated by Dr. Intan Supraba, a lecturer from FT UGM.

Dr. Lintang Nur Fadlillah stated that the coverage of drinking water services in Indonesia has now reached 91.05%, and access to sanitation has increased by 80.92%, but many remote areas, especially coastal regions, still have limited access to clean water and drinking water.

“Small islands often face challenges in providing clean and drinking water,” said Dr. Fadlillah.

Dr. Rachmawan Budiarto introduced the solar panel-powered water desalination technology known as Photovoltaics Sea Water Reverse Osmosis (PV-SWRO). He noted that due to its technological features, desalination is increasingly being considered for drinking water. 

“The combination of SWRO technology and solar-powered energy production is now available on the market for application in coastal areas,” Dr. Budiarto explained.

The PV-SWRO technology will be implemented on islands through the SALT Project, aligning with the Water-Energy Nexus concept. 

According to a lecturer from the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics at FT UGM, the idea of this project is to supply sufficient, high-quality drinking water supported by renewable energy at an affordable cost. 

“This project also emphasizes a transdisciplinary approach in offering solutions,” Dr. Budiarto stated.

He mentioned that the project’s implementation aims to apply PV-SWRO technology to selected remote islands in Indonesia, ensure the project’s operational and financial sustainability, and involve various stakeholders.

The workshop, attended by dozens of participants from six countries, is expected to generate new ideas from young activists in Indonesia and abroad about addressing water problems, especially on small islands and other dry areas. It also seeks to strengthen and expand international collaboration.

The workshop was attended by I Ketut Subandi, Head of the UPTD Tahura Bali, and reviewed by the Indonesian Ambassador to UNESCO. 

The choice of the workshop location in the mangrove area aimed to convey the importance of mangroves as coastal protection, reducing seawater intrusion, improving water quality as mangroves can absorb nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphate that cause algae blooms, including sediment, and also mitigating climate change.

Author: Gusti Grehenson

Artikel UGM Introduces Solar Desalination Technology to Address Clean Water Scarcity in Coastal Areas and Small Islands pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

The UGM Center for Energy Studies, in collaboration with the UGM Student Energy Council, recently hosted the Youth Energy Congress–National Energy Festival under the theme “Balancing The Equation: Nuclear Energy’s Role in a Sustainable Future” on Saturday (Mar. 2).

“The National Energy Festival (NEF) is now in its third year, organized by the Student Energy Council (DEM),” expressed Muhammad Rizki Ramadan, Chair of the UGM Student Energy Council.

“We aspire for this event to be a platform where young individuals like us, as students, can deepen our understanding of equitable energy in Indonesia. Moreover, I hope it sparks new perspectives and experiences concerning renewable energy development.” 

The congress drew participation from student energy organizations across various regions, including North Sumatra and North Sulawesi.

According to a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources report, electricity consumption per capita surged by 4% between 2021 and 2022, reaching 1,336 kWh/capita by the end of 2023. This figure underscores our society’s heavy reliance on electrical energy. 

Regrettably, our current electricity sources predominantly rely on depleting fossil fuels. Hence, it is imperative to develop alternative energy sources to ensure sustainable energy access.

“In Europe, we observe an ongoing energy crisis due to the conflict with Russia. Their overreliance on a single external energy source has resulted in soaring electricity prices as supply dwindles,” said Professor  Sarjiya, Head of the UGM Center for Energy Studies.

“This demonstrates a nation’s dependence on a singular energy type, where other nations can leverage geopolitical factors to control energy sources, with dire consequences.”

Unlike Indonesia, Europe, being a four-season continent, faces heightened energy urgency intertwined with national defense and security concerns.

As highlighted by Dr. Musa Partahi Marbun, a representative from the state electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), Indonesia grapples with three interconnected core issues. The country must ensure electricity availability and accessibility, maintain affordable prices, and curb carbon emissions. 

These aspects pose a formidable challenge since existing energy sources usually meet only one or two criteria. For instance, coal-fired power plants (PLTU) offer reliable and controlled primary energy but fail to meet emission standards. Conversely, solar energy boasts affordability and low emissions but lacks guaranteed supply.

Nuclear Power Plants (PLTN) exhibit promising potential with minimal emissions, around 3 tons of CO2 per GWh. However, nuclear energy development is intricate and time-consuming. 

“Establishing a nuclear power plant isn’t straightforward. It entails stringent rules and standards. Unlike other energy sources, societal acceptance is crucial. How do we alter public perceptions of nuclear energy? Safety is the main aspect,” Dr. Marbun elaborated.

Tackling carbon emissions, a major driver of climate change demands concerted efforts. Transforming societal energy dependence while ensuring accessibility poses a monumental global challenge. 

Therefore, UGM remains committed to collaborating with diverse stakeholders to promote low-emission and green energy innovations, aligning with SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Author: Tasya

Artikel UGM National Energy Congress Delves into Nuclear Energy’s Crucial Role as an Alternative pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.

They combine algae biotechnology with engineering and art to create a “liquid tree” that can improve air quality while having aesthetic value.

“Algaerium is designed to be installed indoors, while Algaetree is designed for outdoor use and is suitable for placement at intersections with high levels of CO2 pollution from motor vehicles. It can also be placed in green open spaces to produce oxygen and maintain air quality to keep it fresh,” explained Dr. Dewayanto of the Faculty of Engineering.

Microalgae are microorganisms that live in fresh or saltwater, performing photosynthesis to reproduce with sunlight and CO2. In the same area, microalgae can absorb CO2 up to 25 times more than other plants.

Algaerium applies decarbonization technology or CO2 absorption with microalgae. This device is suitable for indoor use to absorb CO2 and pollutants such as volatile organic compounds, such as the smell of paint, carpets, perfumes, and others trapped indoors.

These pollutants can be harmful as they can trigger what is known as a sick-building syndrome (SBS), which can result in a decline in mental health, affect brain performance, increase the potential for headaches and flu, and cause eye irritation.

“In buildings and skyscrapers, all sides are closed to prevent hot air from entering when the air conditioner is on. However, constructions like this will produce pollutants such as CO2 and VOCs, triggering SBS,” explained Professor Budiman, Director of the Center of Excellence for Microalgae Biorefinery.

He added that, besides being a place for cultivating microalgae with bioreactor technology, the design of Algaerium allows it to be a place for chatting, relaxing, or just taking photos due to its unique design. 

“Algaerium is also often used for selfies because its overall design is very Instagrammable,” he said.

Unlike Algaerium, Algaetree, designed to reduce CO2 exposure on streets and in public open spaces, resembles a photobioreactor tube filled with microalgae that rises upward with a surface that can absorb CO2.

Algaerium and Algaetree result from the Matching Fund Program from the Ministry of Education for 2022-2023. They are a collaboration between PT Solusi Bangun Indonesia Cilacap, a business unit of PT Semen Indonesia (Persero) Tbk, and UGM.

In the PT SBI complex in Cilacap, the UGM microalgae team has also innovated an open pond cultivation system using a bubbling system. The UGM team has also built a 100,000-liter microalgae cultivation system to absorb CO2 from the cement plant.

Author: Center of Excellence for Microalgae Biorefinery, UGM Center for Energy Studies

Editor: Gloria

Artikel UGM Experts Create “Liquid Tree” with Microalgae to Improve Air Quality pertama kali tampil pada Universitas Gadjah Mada.