Photo: Retrieved from oneearth.org
Bungin Island, Indonesia, is one of the most populous islands in the world, with 3,400 people living in an area of around 8.5 hectares. Surrounded by the turquoise sea, most living here rely on the ocean for their livelihoods.
Yet, fishers here have faced one persistent challenge: storing their precious catch. They have struggled to access ice cubes to preserve their fish for years, resulting in spoilage and significant financial losses.
Seeing the potential for renewable energy, a team of lecturers from Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa (UTS) formed a campus-owned company, Olat Maras Power, to help fisherfolks in the area. Teaming up with New Energy Nexus Indonesia, they embarked on a mission to create a sustainable and affordable solution, the NgebuUTS Cold Storage Unit.
The NgebuUTS Cold Storage Unit is a game-changer for the fisherfolks of Bungin Island. Powered by a harmonious blend of solar panels, batteries, and the state’s electricity company, this cutting-edge tool ensures that their hard-earned catches remain fresh for extended periods, overcoming the limitations imposed by nature.