Harnessing Solar Power to Empower Fisherfolks in Bungin Island, Indonesia
| Bioregion | Southeast Indonesian Dry Forest Islands (AU15) |
| Category | Energy Transition Our project categories represent one of three core solutions pathways to solving climate change. Energy Transition focuses on renewable energy access and energy efficiency. Nature Conservation includes wildlife habitat protection and ecosystem restoration, as well as Indigenous land rights. Regenerative Agriculture supports farmers, ranchers, and community agriculture. |
| Realm | Indomalaya The Project Marketplace is organized by the major terrestrial realms divided into 14 biogeographical regions – N. America, Subarctic America, C. America, S. America, Afrotropics, Indomalaya, Australasia, Oceania, Antarctica, and the Palearctic realm, which coincides with Eurasia and is divided into Subarctic, Western, Central, Eastern, and Southern regions. |
| Status | active Seed indicates an early stage project that needs some level of support to develop into a larger funding proposal. Active indicates any project that needs core programmatic funding. Urgent indicates a short-term project initiated in response to a natural disaster or other impending risk. |
| Partner | New Energy Nexus |
The One Earth Project Marketplace funds on-the-ground climate solutions that are key to solving the climate crisis through three pillars of collective action — renewable energy, nature conservation, and regenerative agriculture. This project will help fishers in Indonesia gain access to a solar-powered cold storage unit to preserve their catch.
Bungin Island, Indonesia, is one of the most populous islands in the world, with 3,400 people living in an area of around 8.5 hectares. Surrounded by the turquoise sea, most living here rely on the ocean for their livelihoods.
Yet, fishers here have faced one persistent challenge: storing their precious catch. They have struggled to access ice cubes to preserve their fish for years, resulting in spoilage and significant financial losses.
Image credit: Courtesy of New Energy Nexus.
The answer lies in the power of the sun
Seeing the potential for renewable energy, a team of lecturers from Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa (UTS) formed a campus-owned company, Olat Maras Power, to help fisherfolks in the area. Teaming up with New Energy Nexus Indonesia, they embarked on a mission to create a sustainable and affordable solution, the NgebuUTS Cold Storage Unit.
The NgebuUTS Cold Storage Unit is a game-changer for the fisherfolks of Bungin Island. Powered by a harmonious blend of solar panels, batteries, and the state's electricity company, this cutting-edge tool ensures that their hard-earned catches remain fresh for extended periods, overcoming the limitations imposed by nature.
Image credit: Courtesy of New Energy Nexus.
A climate solution that transforms lives
The impact of the NgebuUTS Cold Storage Units reaches far beyond the preservation of fish. By empowering the fisherfolks of Bungin Island with efficient storage facilities, this innovative project has become a catalyst for change, enabling numerous benefits.
Reducing operational costs
With NgebuUTS, fishermen can bid farewell to the burden of daily ice cube purchases, slashing their operating costs by up to 30%. Their hard-earned money can now be channeled towards improving their lives and supporting their families.
Increasing fish quality
By providing a reliable and eco-friendly cold storage solution, NgebuUTS enhances the quality of the fishermen's catch. The freshness and integrity of the fish are preserved, ensuring that customers receive premium seafood that meets the highest standards.
Improving fisherfolk welfare
As the fishermen's income stabilizes and their expenses reduce, their overall welfare flourishes. The benefits ripple through the community, elevating the social fabric of Bungin Island and fostering a brighter future for all.
Creating a more sustainable island
Bungin Island is on the path to becoming a shining example of environmental stewardship. With the proliferation of NgebuUTS units powered by clean and renewable energy, the island aims to emerge as a leading advocate for green practices in the region, inspiring neighboring islands to follow suit.
Image credit: Courtesy of New Energy Nexus.
Support the movement toward renewable energy
Olat Maras translates to "hill of happiness" in the local Sumbawa language. Olat Maras Power aims to do just that by ensuring that the fisherfolks of Bungin Island have the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Support for this project will uplift the lives of fishers and protect the environment through the transition to renewable energy, forging a brighter future for all.