Researchers at Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University are carrying out a £40,000 project into marine energy development in Indonesia.
Funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID), the researchers will carry out a feasibility study of the south-east Asian countries marine energy resources.
Researchers at RGU’s Centre for Understanding Sustainable Practices (CUSP) will create a comprehensive resource map, strategic report and road map to take forward the development of marine energy in the country.
“While there has been a lot of work done to develop various technologies in the marine energy field, it is never as simple as installing that technology in situ and walking away,” said CUSP director Dr Alan Owen.
“Preparatory research needs to be done on the energy, material and human resources available before you can select the most appropriate application of renewable energy technology.
“If that technology fails, for whatever reason, there requires to be sufficient knowledge and infrastructure in place so that it can be fixed otherwise it is in no way sustainable.”
RGU researchers will gather information on the existing national skill set and capacity in Indonesia, to highlight the gaps and shortfalls the government’s marine energy policy needs to address.
“This will also allow the development of a time bound strategy to build indigenous competence and, if required, create overseas links for sharing international expertise,” added Dr Owen.
The project is being carried out in partnership with the Indonesian Ministry of Research and Technology, the Indonesian Ocean Energy Association and the Science, Technology and Regulation Institute Network.
RGU researchers will carry out face-to-face investigatory work, field surveys in local areas, interviews with government officials and review of formal documents.
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