To demonstrate how renewable energy can play a role in meeting the electrical power requirements of office operations, as well as how rooftops offer an excellent place in which to install the solar panels required by solar-power systems, FORCLIME is preparing to install a solar-panel system at its office in Jayapura. Solar power is becoming an increasingly important option around the world and offers an alternative to fossil fuels that is a non-polluting, clean, renewable and environmentally friendly source of energy and that many believe will power our global future. Indeed, solar panels can offer savings of 15% - 50% on electricity bills, depending on their specifications.
To prepare for the installation of the new solar panel system, FORCLIME held a coordination meeting with PT PLN Papua and West Papua at PLN’s Regional Papua Office in Jayapura on 26 January 2023. The meeting addressed the permits required to install solar panel (solar PV) systems and the compatibility of solar PV equipment with PLN’s existing infrastructure.
“PLN fully supports the carbon reduction project currently being pursued by the Forestry and Environment Service office as a pioneering green initiative in Jayapura,” explained Ms. Laurence from the Marketing and Business Division of PT PLN Papua and West Papua during the meeting.
The FORCLIME office enjoys an in-kind contribution from the Papua Province Forestry and Environment Service as a working partner within the province. In addition, the installation of solar power plants (PLTS) represents an important element of the government’s strategy to increase the share of renewable energy in Indonesia’s energy mix to 23% by 2025. Indeed, government buildings at the national level are starting to use PLTS as part of a number of renewable energy pilots. The average age of solar panels can reach as high as 25 years, after which time they can still be used. Meanwhile, the use of solar panels can have a significant impact in terms of reducing the impact of the ongoing climate crisis. For example, the use of 1,000 kWh of electricity generated through solar panels is equivalent to a reduction of over 1,400 pounds of CO2, 8 pounds of sulfur dioxide and 5 pounds of nitrogen oxide. At longer timeframes, the use of solar panels for 25 years can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by up to 100 tons, which is a relatively high amount.
FORCLIME will start installing solar PV at the end of March 2023. In addition, a dashboard will also be installed at the Papua Province Forestry and Environment Service office that will display information on estimated energy use, active applications, energy intent, estimated carbon emissions, cost predictions and cost changes.
For more information, please contact:
Ruben Yogi, Junior Adviser for GIS and Forest Mapping
Windy Kusumawati, Junior Administrative Specialist
Mohammad Sidiq, Strategic Area Manager for Sustainable Forest Management and Coordinator for Papua and West Papua Provinces
