Solar2Wave

About Us

Innovate UK

Innovate UK is a UK government agency that supports business innovation. The agency works across all sectors, technologies, and regions of the UK to help develop businesses and market new products, processes, and services. Innovate UK also supports an innovative ecosystem that is agile, inclusive, and easy to navigate.

More information about Innovate UK can be seen at: https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/

Solar2Wave Research Project

Solar energy is one of the most important forms of renewable energy. The sun is an infinite source of energy and solar energy can be used to produce electricity, heat and hot water. Solar energy is also a clean energy source and does not produce air pollution or greenhouse gases. Solar energy has the potential to play an important role in the transition to clean energy. By investing in solar energy, we can help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and protect our environment.

The project aims to implement Solar2Wave, a 25 kW floating solar farm, off the coast of Gili Ketapang island in Java, Indonesia. It seeks to address the region’s reliance on expensive diesel power by providing a renewable energy source. The project aims to provide an affordable, scalable, and clean energy solution for Indonesian residents, potentially replacing fossil fuel-based electricity generation. Additionally, Solar2Wave technology could have broader global applications, reflecting a growing interest in FPV for clean energy generation.

During the early stages of the Solar2Wave project, a scaled-down prototype was successfully tested at Cranfield University’s wave tank facility, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating Floating Photovoltaic (FPV) systems with breakwaters. Intellectual Property (IP) searches confirmed the novelty of the concept, prompting the initiation of the patent process.

In the mid-stage of the project, the focus shifts to constructing the first pilot of Solar2Wave, a 25 kW floating solar farm off the coast of Gili Ketapang Island in Java, Indonesia. This pilot project aims to address the region’s energy needs by replacing reliance on diesel generators with renewable solar power. The selection of Gili Ketapang Island was based on its dense population, commercial value as a tourism destination and fishing ground. The mid-stage project also involves investigating new FPV innovations, such as an ice-making function for fishermen, additional seafood farms integrated with FPV structures, novel materials for floating support, integration of wave energy converters, and an AI-based energy management system.

Construction and innovation will align with the capabilities of project partners, leveraging their expertise in PV business and marine structure construction. After commissioning the pilot, trial operations will provide data for cost reduction, maintenance, and expansion strategies. The end goal is to develop the world’s first viable design for expanding FPV technology to wave-infected coastal regions. Operational guidelines will be provided, detailing energy connection approaches, maintenance strategies, and associated costs. Additionally, the project will report on the economic, social, and ethical impacts of innovation over time and space.

Solar2Wave Research Team

We carry out research and development of floating solar power plants in Indonesia. Around 2% of the Indonesian population (4 million people) is living without access to energy. Solar2Wave can help Indonesia to achieve targeted 100% energy access in 10 years (to cover around 2,130 inhabited islands that use diesel generators). These communities are located on geographically remote islands, which is the environment directly targeted by the Solar2Wave technology. Ocean waves could bring destructive power to floating photovoltaics (FPV), which is a bottleneck problem that limits FPV’s expansion from lakes to oceans. The Solar2Wave project will provide a novel FPV system design that can be used in tough ocean-wave environments, which is a promising solution to solve the urgent energy-access problem for Indonesia’s remote islands. The installed capacity of solar PV in Indonesia in 2022 was 292MW growing by 66MW (29%) from 2021 (Source: Statista). The Solar2Wave solution can be applied in any coastal region of Indonesia to provide direct grid supply, where a 7GW gap in renewable energy transformation needs to be addressed by 2030 to meet the 23% renewable target, and a 63GWgap by 2050 to meet 85% renewable

Our team consists of professionals, lecturers and students who work in the marine and renewable energy fields. The parties involved in this research are:

Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology

Rooted in the history of the struggle for independence, the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) now stands as a world-class Legal Entity State University (PTNBH) which is committed to the progress of the nation. As a leading university, ITS plays an active role in education, research, community service and innovation development, especially supporting industry and the maritime sector. ITS’s new motto, “Advancing Humanity”, represents a new spirit in creating technology and knowledge-based innovation for the benefit of society. This motto was chosen as motivation to continue an active role in human civilization, in line with the values that ITS upholds.

Cranfield University

Cranfield University is a specialist postgraduate university focused on technology and management. World-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivaled industry partnerships make Cranfield a global leader in these fields. Cranfield’s unique expertise lies in its deep understanding of technology and management, and how the two can work together to benefit the world. Cranfield is also active in research and consultancy for industry, government, and business. This research and consultancy provide Cranfield students with a real-world learning environment that allows them to develop as professionals and then transfer their knowledge to the global economy.

Pattimura University

Pattimura University (UNPATTI) has been established in Ambon, Maluku, since 1962. This state university has achieved “B” accreditation from the National Accreditation Board for Higher Education in 2016. Improving the quality of lecturers and educational staff through further study, education and training is UNPATTI’s priority. Aiming at the vision of becoming a leading university with Indonesian culture by 2035, UNPATTI plans to develop a more modern campus. Research and community service also go hand in hand in harmony, with lecturers who actively contribute to the advancement of science and arts technology.

Achelous Energy

Achelous Energy is an offshore marine energy company with more than 25 years of experience. This company was founded in 2017 with the aim of solving the problem of global warming and providing access to renewable energy for everyone. Over the past four years, Achelous Energy has developed pioneering hydrokinetic technology that can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and achieve Net Zero. The company is based in the UK but has a global reach and supply chain. Achelous Energy targets markets in Southeast Asia, America and Europe.

Orela Shipyard

PT Orela Shipyard is an experienced shipbuilding company in Indonesia. PT Orela Shipyard provides solutions for the maritime transportation industry, including new ship construction and ship repair. The company is committed to prioritizing safety, quality, and customer needs. PT Orela Shipyard has designed, built, and repaired various types of ships, including general ships, goods transport ships, navigation ships, Anchor Handling Tugboats (AHTS), Offshore Support Vessels (OSV), high-speed passenger ships (crew boats), tankers, and barges. PT Orela Shipyard has skilled and experienced personnel to carry out complex ship modernization. This company also offers various innovative solutions in developing the ideal concept required by clients.

Gerbang Multindo Nusantara

PT GerbangMultindo Nusantara (GMN) is a national private company operating in the Energy, Mechanical and Electrical sectors, especially those related to alternative and renewable energy technology systems including centralized solar power plants (off-grid), hybrid solar power plants (on-grid), rooftop solar power plants, micro-hydro power plants, energy-saving solar lights, solar streetlights, solar water pumps, and others. GMN’s scope of work includes design activities, procurement/installation of equipment, construction, and development of various systems: conversion technology, generation, and energy conservation.

Key Partner Leaders

Dr. Luofeng Huang

Cranfield University

Dr. Luofeng Huang is a Lecturer (Assistant Professor) in Mechanical Engineering, endorsed by Forbes as a “30 under 30” in Europe. He graduated from University College London (UCL) with a PhD in ships and offshore structures, specializing in maritime/marine engineering and wave-structure interactions. In recent years, he has adapted relevant knowledge to renewable energy systems in seas, such as floating solar farms, wave/tidal energy devices, and offshore wind turbines

Mr. Tim Wood

Achelous Energy Ltd

Tim is a clean energy entrepreneur and passionate advocate for energy access and has worked in the offshore and marine energy industry for over 15-years. As a co-founder and Director of Achelous Energy Limited (UK), he helped to design the FITS power plant, a highly-scalable hydrokinetic electricity generation platform, able to provide power to off-takers ranging in size from community scale projects all the way up to national grid connected installations. With a master’s degree in engineering (specialized in Naval Architecture), Tim has worked across the defense and energy sectors in the UK and worked offshore in oil and gas across Southeast Asia

Prof. I Ketut Aria Pria Utama

Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology

Prof. Utama holds a PhD degree in ship science from the University of Southampton UK, graduated in 1999. He is a professor of ship hydrodynamics at the Department of Naval Architecture, Institute of Technology Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) of Surabaya, Indonesia since December 2007. His research interests include ship resistance and propulsion, ship design synthesis, experimental and computational fluid dynamics, ocean renewable energy, and maritime education. His current and hot research focuses on the study into the bio-fouling growth development in correlation with drag and emission reduction of a ship; safety of seafarers, fishers, and fishing vessels during pandemic; and development of floating solar PV. He is a fellow of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) and Chartered Engineer from the UK Engineering Council both since 2006, a fellow of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI) since 2015, and Vice President of RINA Regional Asia since 2019

Mr. Chayun Budiono

Gerbang Multindo Nusantara

Ir. Chayun Budiono, M.Sc.rer.nat, founded PT Gerbang Multindo Nusantara in 1996. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics (1975) and an engineering degree in Engineering Physics (1978) from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) of Surabaya. He pursued a master’s degree in Renewable Energy System with a focus on Economics of Energy Supply System from the University of Oldenburg (Germany), graduating in 1993. His expertise in renewable energy development spans solar collectors, desalination, domestic water heating, dryers, and other systems. Before founding GMN, he worked with Indonesia State Oil Company (PERTAMINA) and Agency for Development and Application of Technology (BPPT), focusing on energy planning, auditing, cogeneration, and rural renewable energy development. In the Solar2Wave Project, Mr. Chayun Budiono served as GMN Team Leader, overseeing LCOE, Market Research, Knowledge, GESI, and local site selection investigations.

Dr. Wolter Hetharia

Pattimura University

Dr. Wolter R Hetharia obtained a PhD degree in naval architecture at University of Liege Belgium, graduated in 2015. He is a lecturer of ship design at the Department of Naval Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Pattimura University, Indonesia since 1989. His research interest focuses on ship design, ship resistance and fishing vessels. His recent research covers design parameters of semi-displacement and fishing vessels vessels and the application of solar PV on fishing vessels / devices. He is a member of the Indonesian Academy of Engineering (AIR) since 2020.

Mr. Soegeng Riyadi

Orela Shipyard

Mr. Soegeng Riyadi is the Technical and Development Director of PT. Orela Shipyard. He obtained a bachelor and Master of Naval Architecture from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) in 2006 and 2019 concerning ship structure and reducing ship resistance with foil at the stern of the ship. The main activity is to assist in the newbuilding of ships of various types (crew boat, tugboat, multicat, offshore supply, passenger ship, etc.), and recently, at least a couple years ago, we developed a crew boat type with a focus on hull performance and structure to achieve speed performance. Other research activities to contribute to the climate effect are the diesel dual fuel project, hybrid propulsion, and renewable energy, with a focus on the ocean.

Polina Vasilenko

HelioRec

Polina Vasilenko boasts a rich and varied career path, having tackled numerous roles across various industries. Their journey began with technical positions at an oil and gas research institute, where she gained hands-on experience. Polina then transitioned to engineering and development roles, working on innovative technologies like foam cement. This was followed by a stint as a field engineer in offshore operations at Schlumberger, where she honed their technical skills and contributed to business development. Polina’s experience extends beyond technical expertise. She also possesses strong sales and marketing capabilities, evident from their time at Wello Oy. There, she played a key role in crafting the company’s competitive edge and fostering communication with clients. Currently, Polina leads the charge as the Founder and CEO of HelioRec, where they spearhead the company’s vision and strategy.

Yasmina Safitri

Gerbang Multindo Nusantara

Mrs. Yasmina Safitri is one of the Directors in PT Gerbang Multindo Nusantara (GMN).
She graduated in Associate (Academy) Degree of Computer Engineering from STMIK Jakarta in 1996. She applied her knowledge at several IT companies in Jakarta during 1997 to 2008, mostly as sales person and marketing communication.
Since 2009, she has started to contribute as project officer in various renewable energy for GMN, and been continuing her support to the company’s management.
Assigned as General Director since October 2022, her major roles are in daily operations, comprising human management, general affairs, and finance management.
Her role in Solar2Wave Project was as Staff, responsible for project administration, liaison, and finance.

Erna Septyaningrum

Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology

Erna Septyaningrum received her master’s degree in 2018 from the Department of Engineering Physics, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology. She is a lecturer at Department of Engineering Physics. She is currently a doctoral candidate at Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, Surabaya, Indonesia. Her research is focus on the development of new and renewable energy, especially for hydrokinetic technology, Computational Fluid Dynamics and floating power plant. She is also interested in energy management and emissions management (decarbonization). She is also a member of International Association of Engineers (IAENG) since 2021.