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| Through the Electrical Engineering study program at the Faculty of Engineering, UMM is working on Solar Power Plant (PLTS) and Wind Power Plant (PLTB) projects (Photo: Special). |
The development of renewable energy technology has become one of Indonesia's main focuses. Likewise, Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) has made renewable energy its primary focus. Through the Electrical Engineering study program, the Faculty of Engineering at UMM is working on Solar Power Plant (PLTS) and Wind Power Plant (PLTB) projects. The background of this development is rooted in the university's research roadmap, which aligns with government policies to enhance the use of renewable energy.
The PLTS and PLTB projects have been implemented in several strategic locations, including Cheng Ho Mosque in Gua China, Sitiarjo Village, Sumbermanjing Wetan District; Ahmad Dahlan Mosque in Karangploso, Wagir, Malang Regency; SMP Negeri 21 Malang; SMP Negeri 24 Malang; and others. This includes UMM's Campus 3, which has extensively adopted this technology.
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The Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Engineering at UMM, Machmud Effendy, ST, M.Eng., stated that one of the main reasons for selecting these areas as implementation sites is the frequent issue of electricity instability. “We aim to position UMM as an icon of renewable energy development, particularly in the PLTS and PLTB sectors, which have been initiated since 2012. One example is the Cheng Ho Mosque, where power outages often occur due to its distance from PLN’s transmission lines. With the PLTS in place, the electricity needed for water pumps and lighting can be supplied without any disruptions,” he explained.
The implementation of this project involves various parties, including PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI), the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), and the CSR program of PT Multi Sarana Infrastruktur (a state-owned enterprise) that provides financial support. Meanwhile, the CoE PLTS partner from the Electrical Engineering department, PT. Blue Energy, acts as the main initiator responsible for the procurement and installation of solar panels.
“PLTS has several advantages compared to other energy sources, especially for remote locations. This technology is off-grid, so it does not require approval from PLN, its installation is simple, and it doesn’t need large infrastructure such as dams or pipelines. By simply installing the panels, the system can operate. This makes PLTS easier and more practical to implement in many places,” he added.
In terms of maintenance, PLTS is designed for long-term efficiency. Solar panels can last up to 20 years with simple maintenance, such as routine cleaning every six months. Machmud mentioned that the batteries in the PLTS have a lifespan of about 4-5 years and are equipped with a battery management system to ensure they last longer. This ensures that the technology remains efficient and can be used over the long term.
“We have high hopes for this project to bring significant benefits to the community and become a model that can be applied elsewhere. We want this technology to be developed in other mosques, Islamic boarding schools, or health centers, so renewable energy can be more widely used. This aligns with UMM’s vision to continue supporting sustainable development through technological innovation, as well as the Indonesian government's vision regarding energy,” he concluded. (*/wil/ind)
