ITS Strengthens Energy Innovation to Support National Resilience

The Director of Research and Community Service (DRPM) of ITS, Fadlilatul Taufany S.T., Ph.D., explained the importance of developing alternative energy to support national energy resilience.

ITS Campus, ITS News — The current limitations in national oil reserves due to the global crisis serve as an important warning for Indonesia’s energy resilience. In response to this challenge, the Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues striving to develop sustainable energy innovation through technology-based research.

The Director of Research and Community Service (DRPM) at ITS, Fadlilatul Taufany ST PhD, explained that energy resilience does not only depend on reserves but also on the ability to develop other alternative energy sources. According to him, accelerating the transition towards New and Renewable Energy (EBT) is important to reduce dependence on fossil energy. “Energy resilience needs to be supported by technology based on local potential,” he said.

The ITS palm oil biogasoline petrol (Benwit) production unit as an alternative fuel innovation based on domestic potential.

In response to this challenge, according to the lecturer commonly called Taufany, ITS is also developing research on other alternative fuels. One of them is research on fuel based on palm oil through the conversion of crude palm oil (CPO) into biogasoline petrol. This innovation, called ITS palm oil biogasoline petrol or Benwit, serves as an example of utilizing domestic potential as an alternative energy solution to support national energy independence.

Furthermore, ITS is also developing various integrated energy innovations through the construction of the Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator of Indonesia (REIDI). This facility is the largest renewable energy living laboratory in Indonesia, integrating various energy sources such as photovoltaics, agrovoltaics, biomass, and hydrogen. “REIDI is designed to bridge research with the needs of industry and society,” he explained.

Through this facility, ITS is not only focusing on technology development but also on testing and real-scale implementation. With this approach, REIDI is expected to become a model for integrated renewable energy management in Indonesia. “Direct implementation is the key so that innovation can have a real impact,” he added.

ITS renewable energy innovation through the Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator of Indonesia (REIDI) and the Solar2Wave nearshore floating solar power plant (PLTS) project.

This integrative approach is also applied by ITS outside the campus environment, one of which is through the Solar2Wave project. This project presents the first nearshore floating solar power plant (PLTS) in Indonesia, aimed at supporting energy independence in coastal areas. “A region-based approach is important to expand access to clean energy,” he said.

In line with these efforts, ITS is also encouraging energy diversification through the development of various alternative fuel sources, such as bioethanol, electric vehicles, and hydrogen fuel cell technology. This step is considered important as part of the transition towards a cleaner and more efficient energy system. “Energy diversification is necessary to reduce dependence on fossil fuels,” he asserted.

The agrivoltaic living laboratory area and hydrogen fuel cell-based power plant at the Renewable Energy Integration Demonstrator of Indonesia (REIDI) project within the ITS Campus.

Furthermore, Taufany emphasized that strengthening national energy resilience requires synergy between research, policy, and implementation. Collaboration between universities, government, and industry is a key factor in accelerating energy technology development. “Collaboration is necessary so that innovations can be widely implemented,” concluded the lecturer from the ITS Department of Chemical Engineering.

In addition to research, through the Automotive Science and Technology Park (STP), ITS also provides services for converting two-wheeled gasoline-fueled vehicles into battery-based electric motorcycles. Through this conversion workshop, which has been operating since 2022, ITS is supporting the acceleration of the national electric vehicle ecosystem and providing more efficient and environmentally friendly mobility solutions for the public. To date, this workshop has successfully converted several types of motorcycles, ranging from scooters, underbone motorcycles, to sport motorcycles.

ITS’s contribution to sustainable energy development is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically point 7 on Affordable and Clean Energy and point 13 on Climate Action. With strengthened research and collaboration, ITS is expected to continue contributing to realizing national energy resilience. (HUMAS ITS)

Reporter: Nadhifa Raghda Syaikha