Faculty of Engineering Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) finally signed a deal with Blue Deal and Nederlandsche Waterschapbank Fund (NWB Fund) to study the use of solar power in Pekalongan. This program marks Undip’s commitment to support a more sustainable energy for the people.
Supported by the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bapperida) of Pekalongan City and Pekalongan Regency, this collaborative program involves surveys, research, and community services at six flood control pump stations along the Bremi-Meduri River in Pekalongan. The activities are scheduled to take place from 24 October 2024 through 2026.
The research team for this collaboration is led by Ir. Aghus Sofwan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. from Undip as coordinator, Ir. Mochammad Facta, Ph.D. from Undip as team leader, Ing. Marcel Roet from Blue Deal as team manager, Luuk van Elk, B.Sc., M.Sc. as a hydrologist, and Ing. Daniël Esselink as a mechanical engineer.
According to the program coordinator, Ir. Aghus Sofwan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., this program aims to assess the feasibility of using solar-powered electricity at Pekalongan water pumping stations. It is hoped that this study will assist the government in selecting the type of solar power plant (PLTS in Bahasa Indonesia) that best suits the needs of each pumping station.
“This collaboration program aims to conduct a feasibility study on the use of solar energy for water pumping stations designed to manage floodwater… The goal is to provide solutions for selecting the type of solar power system (PLTS) that best suits the unique conditions of each pumping station,” he explained.
In addition to scholars and lecturers, this program also involves undergraduate and graduate students from the Department of Electrical Engineering at Undip. Through this program, they are expected to obtain direct research experience as well as research material for their theses.
“Undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Electrical Engineering can gain experience in solving real-world problems through a systematic approach in the field of electrical engineering to provide the best technical solutions,” said Aghus.
The Faculty of Engineering Undip is committed to supporting efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through collaboration with partners and the community. Through this program, it is hoped that four SDGs will be achieved, namely SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).