Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to 100% renewable energy is not only implemented within the campus but also as a part of the university’s community outreach program. Several programs, agreements, and research provisions have been established, together with university partners and stakeholders.
Collaborative Discussions, Seminars, and Events in Advancing Renewable Energy at UGM
UGM has actively engaged in various discussions, seminars, and events with stakeholders to advance renewable energy initiatives.
Among them was a talk show on The Future of Renewable Energy Transition in Indonesia that was Arranged by the Student Executive Board of UGM (BEM-KM). The event featured Dr Ridwan Kamil, Chair of the Association of Regions Producing Oil and Renewable Energy, and Prof. Tumiran, a former member of the National Energy Council. The speakers discussed strategies and challenges in Indonesia’s energy transition efforts.
Indonesia targets a 31.89% to 43.2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, focusing on renewable energy (EBT) and reducing fossil fuel use. Prof. Tumiran, who is one of UGM’s energy experts, has spoken as a representative from the university on the need for robust infrastructure, supportive policies, and collaboration among stakeholders to harness Indonesia’s renewable energy potential in solar, wind, and geothermal. This transition aims to achieve energy self-sufficiency, strengthen the economy, and ensure environmental sustainability.
Besides seminars, UGM has also recently held a Hydrogen Valley Summer Course themed “The Role of Hydrogen in Energy Transition: Perspectives and Challenges 2024”. This event was a collaborative effort between UGM’s Center for Energy Studies and the University of Groningen. The summer course was designed to provide in-depth and innovative insights into hydrogen energy, targeting professionals, policymakers, researchers, and postgraduate students. Over five days, participants had the opportunity to learn from leading international and national experts while building networks with academics and practitioners in the field of hydrogen energy.
The Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIPOL) also organises a specialised short course for international students each year in the summer called the FISIPOL International Short Course (FISCO). In 2022, the theme of the course was The Dynamics of New and Renewable Energy in the Global South. FISIPOL collaborated with the UGM Energy Center and IESR. Several well-known instructors contributed to the course, including experts from The Conversation and the University of Dundee. This event was attended by international students from different countries, renewable energy observers, and environmental advocates.
Key Agreements with Public and Private Stakeholders
To further advance renewable energy initiatives, UGM collaborates with various public and private stakeholders who share the same concern about renewable energy. With these stakeholders, UGM has established several key agreements so that the programs and initiatives meet their intended goals.
In March 2021, UGM and PT Pertamina (Persero), Indonesia’s leading petrol company, signed an agreement to strengthen the development of New and Renewable Energy (NRE) through education, research, and community development. This collaboration with Pertamina led to the construction of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) at UGM and the development of microalgae-based renewable energy.
Not only at the university level. UGM’s faculties also have partnerships with government institutions such as the cooperation agreement between the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN). Their partnership intends to focus on policy research for sustainable, community-based renewable energy development. This partnership aims to encourage innovative research and align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Besides other universities and national institutions, UGM also partners with renowned Japanese companies such as the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), JAIF International Cooperation Center (JICC), and Marubeni Corporation. These partnerships focus on developing electrical systems, new renewable energy sources, and technologies to reduce carbon emissions.
These agreements reflect UGM’s proactive approach to fostering partnerships, both national and international, to promote renewable energy development and sustainability.
Research Provisions and International Collaborations on Renewable Energy
UGM proudly positions its research initiatives as a public pledge to champion the transition to 100% renewable energy. Through research and innovation, UGM aims to extend knowledge on renewable energy beyond the university, aiming to drive sustainable energy solutions that benefit society and address global environmental challenges.
UGM has its own Center for Energy Studies (PSE UGM) which focuses on research areas concerning renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy policies. The centre collaborates with national and international institutions to develop innovative energy solutions.
The university has numerous research partners in renewable energy, wherein some partnerships even extend beyond borders. For example, UGM and the University of Groningen have agreed to explore hydrogen’s potential in Indonesia’s energy transition together. This international collaboration involves joint research and educational programmes to develop hydrogen technology and its applications.
Together with their partners, UGM energy experts and researchers are continuously breaking new ground in renewable energy innovation. One such game-changing creation is the Antasena wind turbine, engineered to harness low wind speeds, which can bring sustainable energy solutions to even the most remote regions in Indonesia.
However, renewable energy technology must be supported by robust policies and thorough policy research. That is why PSE UGM has collaborated with the PLN Research and Development Center to host the annual International Conference on Technology and Policy in Energy & Electric Power (ICT-PEP). This conference has served as a premier international platform in the field of energy and electricity, bringing together policymakers, researchers, academics, and industry professionals to exchange ideas and present research findings. The conference is a pathway to a triple-helix approach, uniting academia, industry, and government to drive innovative and sustainable energy solutions while advancing policy frameworks to support renewable energy development.
Through its collaborative research, technological innovation, and policy research, UGM is not only advancing renewable energy solutions but also addressing the practical challenges of implementation. These efforts reflect a focused commitment to creating tangible, sustainable impacts that bridge academicians with local needs and with global renewable energy goals.
References:
- The Future of Renewable Energy Transition in Indonesia
- UGM Energy Expert Reveals Challenges of Energy Transition in Indonesia
- Summer Course themed “The Role of Hydrogen in Energy Transition: Perspectives and Challenges 2024”
- The Dynamics of New and Renewable Energy in the Global South
- Collaboration with Pertamina led to the construction of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) at UGM and the development of microalgae-based renewable energy
- Policy research for sustainable, community-based renewable energy development
- Partners with renowned Japanese companies
- Center for Energy Studies
- UGM and the University of Groningen have agreed to explore hydrogen’s potential in Indonesia’s energy transition together
- Optimizing Renewable Energy, UGM Develops ‘Antasena’ Turbine for 3T Regions
- Conference on Technology and Policy in Energy & Electric Power