The latest advances in renewable technology were showcased at Murdoch University over the last two weeks.

Twenty-four delegates from the Indonesian government and private sector gathered at the University for a two week course in renewable energy technology, under Australia Awards Scholarships funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Course designer Dr Tania Urmee said this was the first time Murdoch University had offered the short course.

“Over the two weeks we gave participants a complete overview of the types of technology that could be applied in projects throughout Indonesia,” Dr Urmee said.

“This course provides an opportunity for delegates to build connections with Australian academic and industry partners to work in Indonesia with them.” 

The overall program director, Dr Jonathan Whale, said it had been a great achievement to win the Australia Awards in Indonesia Short Term Award while competing with universities from all over Australia.

“Murdoch University is internationally recognised for its expertise in the area of sustainable energy development, particularly in small scale projects,” Dr Whale said.

 “This course provides an opportunity for us to share our expertise with communities who can really benefit from this technology.”

The overall program commenced with a pre-course workshop in Makassar, Indonesia in July before the intensive two-week course at Murdoch University.

Overview of renewable energy business

During the course, participants will gain an overview of desalination, solar and wind technologies, as well as learn more about the business side of implementing renewable energy projects. The key part of the course is to implement Renewable Energy projects in Eastern Indonesia.

The Murdoch Team is using an innovative approach towards mentoring the AAI participants in the process of developing and implementing these projects.  

They will also meet with a number of Western Australian industry partners working in the renewable energy sphere.

Murdoch University Chair of Environmental Engineering Dr Martin Anda arranged for a number of companies from the local renewable energy industries to meet with the visiting delegates.

“Local industries have invited the delegates to take site visits to see technologies in operation and have offered to support the implementation of their projects when they return to Indonesia,” Dr Anda said.

 “The program will conclude with a final workshop in Indonesia in January 2020 where the participants will present the projects they have been implementing after their return.”

Murdoch University Discipline Head for Engineering and Energy, Professor Parisa Bahri said the course was a wonderful overview of Murdoch University’s capabilities in both renewable energy education and research.

Course participants Mrs Thauhuriah Adliah and Mr Rizkie Abidin said the course was a great experience.

“This course has given us a wonderful boost to our careers in renewable energy and will enable us to develop renewable energy projects that are desperately needed in many remote villages of Eastern Indonesia,” Mrs Adliah said.