NZMATES News

So far, the main challenges in implementing renewable energy have been related to operation and maintenance, which is crucial for the sustainability of solar power plants built and implemented within the community.

Following the revitalisation of the Refurbishment of 75 kWp Solar Microgrid on Pulau Tiga, PLN Maluku and North Maluku (MMU), along with NZMATES and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), conducted a site visit on Friday, 17 May 2024, as part of the 2023 Annual Verification Mission Result Based Load (RBL) for ADB Kalimantan, Maluku, and Papua (KMP).

New Zealand Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES) conducted a training session on the operation and maintenance of Solar Power Systems (PLTS) from 4-6 June 2024, following a similar session previously held in Buru District 4-6 December 2023.

Since May 1st, 2024, 56 households served by PLN in Pulau Tiga have enjoyed 24-hour access to electricity from renewable energy sources, thanks to a refurbishment project executed in collaboration between New Zealand and Indonesia. 

The New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES) programme, together with Ambon State Polytechnic, held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) titled "Shaping the Future by Preparing Vocational Human Resources for Sustainable Renewable Energy Development in Maluku Province" on Monday, 20 November 2023.

New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES) conducted a Technical Assessment and Sustainability Survey of Solar Power Plants (PLTS) at Lelingluan and Watmasa in the Tanimbar Islands Regency (KKT) from 17 to October 2023.

From the 12th to the 14th of October 2023, the New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES) programme provided a Solar PV Training of Trainers (ToT) for the Pūngao Pattimura Mini-Grid Laboratory to technicians, operators, students, and faculty members of the Faculty of Engineering (FT) at Pattimura University (Unpatti) in Ambon.

New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES) provided assistance in designing and assessing the feasibility of hybrid solar power generation systems for 23 locations in the 2023 Village Electrification Program (LisDes) in Maluku Province.

The New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES) programme hosted a webinar on Tuesday, 11th July 2023, to disseminate the research findings on "The Role and Participation of Women in the Renewable Energy Sector in Maluku Province." This study holds significance as women are in constant contact with energy around the clock.