Jakarta, INTI - Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (Unsoed) is strengthening its research and innovation collaboration in the renewable energy sector through a partnership with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and a South Korean company Lumitech Co., Ltd.
This collaboration was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Cooperation Agreement, alongside the launch of a Solar Power Plant (PLTS) system installed over agricultural irrigation canals.
The event, held at the Unsoed campus on Wednesday, August 19, was part of the "Launch and Kick-Off Meeting: Development and Demonstration of Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Agriculture and Irrigation Canals Tailored to Overseas Markets, and Business Model Development."
Multi-Institutional Collaboration
Unsoed Rector Prof. Akhmad Sodiq emphasized that this partnership represents a collaboration between academia, research institutions, and the industrial sector aimed at producing innovations that deliver tangible benefits to the community.
"Unsoed warmly welcomes this collaboration. Universities cannot operate in isolation when it comes to generating impactful innovations. Therefore, synergy between Unsoed, BRIN, and industry partners is crucial for developing technologies that are not only academically excellent but also practical to implement and beneficial to society," said Akhmad.
He noted that installing solar power systems over irrigation canals serves as a productive use of space while simultaneously supporting the development of clean energy.
Meanwhile, BRIN’s Deputy for Development Policy, Prof. Dr. Ir. R. Nunung Nuryartono, M.Si., highlighted the importance of strengthening the research and innovation ecosystem through collaboration with universities. He expressed hope that the partnership established among Unsoed, BRIN, and Lumitech would serve as a model for broader innovation development.
Dr. Cuk Supriyadi Ali Nandar, S.T., M.Eng., Head of Research Organization for Energy and Manufacturing of BRIN, stated that the implementation of solar power systems on irrigation canals holds strategic value by optimizing existing space to support solar energy development.
“The hope is that this technology can be further refined, particularly regarding optimization, so that it can eventually be implemented elsewhere. This system holds strategic value because it allows us to utilize the space above irrigation canals to harness solar energy potential without encroaching on productive land,” he explained.
Mr. Shin Inboum, CEO of Lumitech Co., Ltd., stated that Indonesia possesses significant potential for developing solar power technology over irrigation canals. He noted that using irrigation canals as sites for solar panel installations offers a renewable energy development alternative that avoids the need to clear new land.
“Installing solar panels over irrigation canals is a viable solution. With this system, there is no need to worry about cutting down trees or utilizing mountainous terrain to build power plants. Indonesia holds great potential due to its extensive network of irrigation canals,” he said.
He added that Indonesia’s geographical conditions and existing irrigation infrastructure present an opportunity to develop solar power systems that can meet energy needs while preserving the primary function of the irrigation canals.
Conclusion
Unsoed is strengthening its collaboration on renewable energy research and innovation with BRIN and Korean company Lumitech Co., Ltd. through the signing of an MoU and a Cooperation Agreement, alongside the launch of a solar power plant installation over irrigation canals. This collaboration aims to develop and demonstrate a photovoltaic system capable of utilizing irrigation channels without encroaching on productive land, as well as supporting clean energy needs in the agricultural sector.
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