The FGD activity entitled Renewable Energy Integration for a Sustainable Economy was held in a hybrid manner at ITS Tower 2.

ITS Campus, ITS News – In an ongoing effort to realize the Institute of Research for Sustainability and Innovation (INSPIRASI) project, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled Renewable Energy Integration for Sustainable Economy on Wednesday (August 14). Located in ITS Tower 2, the event brought together ITS and industry practitioners to enhance the REIDI project.

This FGD is part of the ongoing development of the INSPIRASI project. It aims to introduce the INSPIRASI program to the public and promote renewable energy integration technologies and their implementation in Indonesia, supporting sustainable energy initiatives.

In addition to these objectives, the FGD also provided a platform for industry practitioners to offer input and suggestions for the future development of the REIDI project. To facilitate this, the event was attended by several industry companies, including PT PLN UID and PT PLN Nusantara Power, both operating in the electricity generation sector. Participants from foreign universities such as California Polytechnic University, USA, and Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, were also present.

REIDI program development coordinator Prof. Heri Suryoatmojo ST MT PhD explained the REIDI project at the FGD entitled Renewable Energy Integration for a Sustainable Economy

Opening the discussion, REIDI Program Development Coordinator Prof. Heri Suryoatmojo explained that INSPIRASI is a research collaboration program initiated by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology (Ditjen Diktiristek) under the Indonesian Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek). This collaboration involves researchers from four Indonesian universities, including ITS. One of the program’s key projects is REIDI, Indonesia’s first renewable energy “living laboratory” or demonstrator lab.

REIDI is a project that will be built at ITS, and its development will occur in three phases. Currently, the project is in its first phase. “The program is expected to be completed by 2028, featuring research facilities that can be used collectively,” Heri said.

Heri further detailed that one of REIDI’s key features will be flexible operation, allowing the facility to serve as a demonstrator platform for various research endeavors. In the future, REIDI will support a wide range of energy-related research, with lab facilities including an eco campus lab, photovoltaic lab, hydrogen lab, agrovoltaic lab, and biomass lab.

Professor of California Polytechnic University, United States, Prof. Taufik, when giving a response in the form of suggestions regarding the ACDC house at the FGD held at ITS

Responding to the INSPIRASI and REIDI program explanations, California Polytechnic University Professor Taufik expressed that the REIDI project is highly promising. Based on what has been outlined, REIDI accommodates all systems in electricity except for residential and building systems. Taufik suggested that the REIDI project could be further enhanced by developing electrical systems for residential and building sectors.

Similar feedback on REIDI was given by Agus Kuswardoyo, General Manager of PT PLN UID East Java. Agus stated that PLN also welcomes the REIDI project, believing it could support energy research efforts, aligning with PLN’s current initiatives. “PLN is at the forefront of supporting programs like this,” he said. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Ahmad Farhan Alghifari