Jakarta, INTI - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), through its Intelligent Power and Energy Systems (InPES) research group from the Research Organization for Energy and Manufacturing (OREM), is developing the Blue-Green Nexus model.
This model is an integrated approach to strengthen energy security, provide clean water, and increase the economic productivity of coastal communities. The model's development is currently in its final stages through research activities in Ekas Buana Village, East Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara.
This model integrates various technologies and sustainable financing schemes. The components being developed include an off-grid solar power plant, a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), a seawater desalination system, and a carbon-based financing mechanism (Circular Blue-Finance).
Moch Arief Albachrony, a BRIN research engineer, explained that Ekas Buana Village was chosen as the study location because of its significant potential in the fisheries, lobster cultivation, seaweed farming, and tourism sectors. However, the area still faces challenges such as limited reliable energy supply and access to clean water.
"Our goal is not simply to build a solar power plant, but also to design an integrated system that can improve the community's quality of life by providing clean energy, clean water, and strengthening productive economic activities," said Arief in a statement.
Generated Energy is Prioritized for Coastal Community
BRIN explained that the off-grid solar power system will operate independently without relying on PLN’s electricity grid. The energy generated is prioritized to support the community's productive needs, such as cold storage operations for fishermen, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the provision of clean water through seawater desalination technology.
According to Arief, cold storage is a crucial need for coastal communities because it can maintain the quality of fish catches, thus increasing their selling value. Meanwhile, the use of desalination technology is expected to provide a solution to the limited access to clean water still faced by some residents of Ekas Buana Village.
Clean Energy’s Economic Value for the Community
Another advantage of the model developed by BRIN is the application of the Circular Blue-Finance concept. Through this approach, the benefits of using clean energy are not only measured in terms of reduced carbon emissions but also converted into economic value that can be reaped by the community.
"In the concept we've developed, the benefits of clean energy don't stop at reducing emissions. The resulting carbon value can be modeled into carbon tokens, which can then be used as incentives, for example, to provide discounts on the purchase of desalinated clean water. This way, energy, clean water, and the community economy are interconnected within a single, sustainable ecosystem," Arief explained.
The Blue-Green Nexus model was developed through a series of activities, including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), technical coordination with PLN’s West Nusa Tenggara Regional Main Unit, and field research in Ekas Buana Village.
At the village level, the BRIN team also identified the Merah Putih Fishermen's Cooperative as a local institution with the potential to be involved in managing household energy systems, the fisheries supply chain, seaweed cultivation, and the development of MSMEs.
Arief emphasized that all of this research will form the basis for developing a Blue-Green Nexus implementation model that can be replicated in various coastal areas in Indonesia with similar characteristics.
"What we're building isn't just energy infrastructure, but a coastal village development model that integrates clean energy, clean water, community economic development, and carbon emission reduction. If successfully implemented, this model is expected to serve as a reference for coastal area development in various regions of Indonesia," he said.
Conclusion
BRIN developed the Blue-Green Nexus model to strengthen energy security, clean water supply, and the economic productivity of coastal communities through the integration of solar power plants, BESS, seawater desalination systems, and carbon-based financing schemes. The model, currently in its final development stages in Ekas Buana Village, East Lombok, is designed to support coastal communities’ productive needs. The model development involved coordination with PLN, local governments, and communities to refine the system design. BRIN hopes that the Blue-Green Nexus can become a model for integrated coastal village development and be replicated in various coastal areas of Indonesia.
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