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The process of renewable energy penetration in Maluku Province is increasingly evident in its development. This is reflected in the changing energy consumption patterns in government sectors and academic learning processes. New Zealand-Maluku Access to Renewable Energy Support (NZMATES) programme continues to encourage and support the use of renewable energy in Maluku Province, this time through conducting a study on "Characteristics and Potential of Tidal Current Energy" in Saparua Island and Tual City in January 2023. This study aimed to collect primary data on tidal current resources, including tidal patterns and directions, tidal range data, and cross-sectional areas based on the contour of these locations.
These findings were then processed to find appropriate modeling. In this research, NZMATES collaborated with Victoria University of Wellington (New Zealand) (New Zealand) and the Faculty of Engineering at Pattimura University, Ambon, Maluku. This study is important in the context of Maluku to assess how the potential of tidal currents can be harnessed to optimize new and renewable energy.
Data on tidal current speed and direction was collected using a current meter, deployed at varying depths and different phases of the tidal period, over 2-3 days in each site. Additionally, secondary data was collected, including wind data, bathymetric data for nearby areas, tidal data, and Google Earth satellite images of the islands around the research sites using purposive sampling methods.
A Seminar was held to share the initial findings of the research with relevant stakeholders in Ambon. During the Seminar, Professor of Sustainable Energy Systems at Victoria University of Wellington, Alan Brent, emphasized that the energy transition process should not focus solely on one type of technology but should integrate various technologies based on regional needs, including climate change adaptation.
"Ocean current technology is vital for island communities, particularly in the process of social development," said Alan.
Alan added that this research is crucial to identify which technologies might be beneficial, especially for Maluku Province. This is a first step towards building collective knowledge regarding renewable energy.
The hybrid seminar was also attended by the Maluku Provincial Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), the Maluku Provincial Department of Energy and Mineral Resources, PT PLN Maluku and North Maluku (MMU), Pattimura University (Unpatti), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) Ambon, the National Unity and Politics Agency (Kesbangpol) of Maluku Province, the Ministry of National Development Planning (Bappenas), and the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG).
NZMATES Programme Manager, Safitri Y. Baharuddin, mentioned in her speech that data collection was conducted in the Saparua Strait and Rosenberg Strait. The hope is that this study will provide ideas and insights into the potential for renewable energy that can be utilized and developed for the people of Maluku Province.
"We (NZMATES) are here to continue promoting the use of renewable energy in Maluku Province," said Safitri.
Jacob Marshall, a student from Victoria University of Wellington who was part of the research team, presented the research data. From the cross-sectional area of the Saparua Strait, preliminary results indicate that the tidal current could theoretically provide electricity for around 37,000 people.
"The ready-to-use technologies in Maluku are the Archimedes screw, axial flow, and cross flow turbines. However, the cost of cross flow turbines is still high, making them less common," said Jacob.
Jacob further noted that despite the promise of these new technologies, they still have limitations when placed in marine environments. The Archimedes screw is durable under the sea and environmentally friendly as it does not disturb the marine environment. Conversely, the cross flow turbine may cause marine life to attach to it, leading to corrosion.
"Therefore, further research is necessary as this initial study provides only preliminary data. There is potential for placing ADCPs for a month in a season to get more comprehensive results," said Jacob.
Responding to Jacob's presentation, Dr. Alan Brent emphasized that further research is crucial to complement the existing data. Scaling up the research is necessary to better understand current movements. Additionally, updating 3D modeling for a year is also important.
"The potential technologies that Jacob mentioned need to be reassessed for their feasibility. Identifying challenges and needs for Saparua and Tual is crucial, for instance, electricity for industries in Tual and for the community in Saparua, ensuring a constant and reliable electricity supply," said Alan.
Alan added that hybrid renewable energy systems must align with techno-economic analysis. Therefore, demonstrating the existing systems, such as those in New Zealand, is essential before adapting them in Maluku Province.
In his speech, the Head of Maluku Provincial Development Planning Agency, Anton A. Lailossa, represented by Junus Matakena, emphasized that one of the economic drivers in Maluku Province is adequate and fully recognized energy use. He acknowledged the challenges in addressing social disparities and production capacity in the region.
He fully supports this research, recognizing Maluku Province's significant potential for reliable and adequate renewable energy access, which can enhance social welfare, household services, public services, and economic growth while mitigating climate change impacts.
"I hope this research provides an overview of the renewable energy potential in Maluku Province, especially from ocean currents," said Junus.
