RGU bags funding to progress Indonesian marine

Sustainability researchers at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen have been awarded more than £300.000 in funding to further develop their work which aims to create a viable marine energy industry in Indonesia.

The Centre for Understanding Sustainable Practice (CUSP) at RGU, led by Alan Owen, has been awarded £183.000 from two UK Government funds to be used to help build up the Indonesian science and innovation capacity.

The funding will also serve to accelerate the implementation of marine energy  in Indonesia’s remote areas.

In addition, a further £118.000 has been granted by the Indonesian Government to support capacity building in marine energy in central Indonesia.

The team has been awarded £30.000 through the Newton Fund’s Researcher Links Programme which they will use to host a UK/Indonesia workshop on decentralised sustainable energy for wider Indonesia, in partnership with Universitas Nasional (UNAS), RGU’s press release reads.

Director of CUSP, Alan Owen, said: “Ensuring that there is the relevant knowledge and skills in-country is vital to develop the country’s marine energy capabilities in a comprehensive and sustainable way.”

The team aims to support and promote the development of marine energy research, development, and implementation in the country through a series of capacity building programmes and has established a strategic partnership with Orkney based company Aquatera to deliver the aims.

Managing director of Aquatera, Gareth Davies, said: “Aquatera is very pleased to be working with the CUSP team on this groundbreaking programme aimed at establishing a suitable pathway for Indonesia to develop its marine energy potential.”

According to RGU, a further £78.000 was received from the Newton Fund’s Institutional Links programme, which will see the team engage with three coastal communities in Indonesia and help establish a wider network of key people and institutions aimed at building marine energy capabilities in the country.

In addition to the £118.000 support from the Indonesian Government, the £75.000 received from the UK Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Prosperity Fund will support a project which draws on the UK’s expertise in marine energy to deliver enhanced knowledge exchange between Indonesian and UK governments, business and academia.

Image: Robert Gordon University