Jakarta, INTI - IPB University, together with the German government and various government partners, is strengthening collaboration to drive a sustainable energy transition while supporting economic growth. This commitment was highlighted during the visit of Reem Alabali Radovan, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, to IPB University on August 18. The visit activities included a guest lecture on the global energy transition and the inauguration of a solar-powered cold storage facility.
Rector of IPB University, Dr. Alim Setiawan Slamet, stated that the German government's support, facilitated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in developing solar cold storage is a crucial part of efforts to bolster research and innovation in clean energy.
"Energy transition and sustainability are highly relevant to IPB University’s mission and strategic priorities. Through the Agromaritime 5.0 framework, we strive to link research and innovation with education and community development to create meaningful impacts for society and the nation," said Dr. Alim.
He noted that the solar cold storage facility will serve as a living laboratory for researchers, faculty members, and students to develop clean energy technologies and post-harvest solutions tailored to tropical conditions.
Impactful Transition to Benefit Many Aspects
During the public lecture, Reem Alabali Radovan emphasized the role of the younger generation as driving forces in addressing climate change and accelerating the energy transition.
"Young people are not merely recipients of our policies. You are agents of change. You are the ones who need to transform the situation for all of us," said Reem.
She noted that the impacts of climate change are already being felt across various nations, with countries in the Global South facing more severe consequences despite their relatively smaller contribution to the causes of climate change.
Reem also highlighted the benefits of solar cold storage, which utilizes solar energy to cool and freeze agricultural products.
"This cold storage facility delivers three benefits simultaneously, which are accelerating Indonesia's energy transition, strengthening the domestic food supply chain, and creating local jobs," she explained.
The Government’s Targets
Deputy Minister of National Development Planning/Deputy Head of Bappenas, Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard, added that the energy transition must ensure energy availability and affordability, maintain industrial competitiveness, and support economic growth. The government aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 or sooner.
According to Febrian, this process must also be accompanied by economic diversification, workforce upskilling, the creation of green jobs, social protection, and increased investment in regions affected by structural economic changes resulting from the energy transition.
Tony Susandy, Director of Renewable Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM), views IPB’s solar-powered cold storage unit as an exemplary application of renewable energy that supports food security, technological innovation, international cooperation, and local economic activity.
The facility is developed through a collaboration between IPB University and the Ministry of ESDM as part of the Tri-Chamber Solar-PV Cold Storage project, implemented by GIZ. Tony hopes the model can be replicated in other regions, particularly in areas that still face limited access to reliable electricity and cold chain infrastructure.
Conclusion
IPB University, in collaboration with the German government and various government partners, is strengthening cooperation on the energy transition through research, innovation, and the utilization of solar energy to support food security. One outcome of this partnership is a solar-powered cold storage facility, developed under the Tri-Chamber Solar-PV Cold Storage project with the Ministry of ESDM and implemented by GIZ. The facility harnesses solar energy to preserve agricultural produce quality while serving as a laboratory for researchers and students to develop clean energy and post-harvest technologies.
Read more: Indonesia and Germany Strengthen Partnership to Accelerate Energy Transition