Solar energy feasibility study for pumping stations in Pekalongan, Indonesia

The Netherlands/Pekalongan – Through the KIWI Climate Game Changers program, various climate-adaptive opportunities have been identified within Blue Deal partnerships, including in Pekalongan, Indonesia. To achieve greenhouse gas and cost reduction the University of Semarang UNDIP in collaboration with the local Blue Deal team has conducted a feasibility study into the use of solar energy for the pumping stations in the city.

Pekalongan is threatened by a combination of land subsidence and rising sea levels, leading to more frequent and severe flooding from the sea. Additionally, the rainy season is becoming shorter and more intense resulting in increasingly frequent flash floods from upstream areas. Consequently, the city's drainage system is becoming an increasingly important factor in maintaining its livability. Pumping stations are playing an increasingly significant role in this, as water can no longer flow to the sea by gravity due to rising sea levels and land subsidence.

Figure 1: one of the pumping stations in Pekalongan, Indonesia.

Currently, pumping stations run on electricity from coal-fired power plants or diesel generators. Because the pumping stations are being used more frequent and for longer periods, CO₂ emissions are rising steadily alongside the costs. To meet the Indonesian target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030, the feasibility of using solar energy for the pumping stations was investigated in collaboration with local government organizations and the University of Semarang UNDIP.

Research into 6 different pumping stations in the Bremi-Meduri polder shows that it is technically feasible to operate the pumping stations on a hybrid system of solar energy and grid power. However, there is still much work to be done, such as adapting the power grid and finding sufficient space for installing the panels. This raises the question of whether it is financially feasible to use solar energy as an alternative. After all, Indonesia does not have a net metering scheme and the investments are already so substantial that the payback period is close to the lifespan of solar panels.

However, by using solar energy, an amount of CO₂ emissions can be saved equivalent to the amount emitted by up to 15 people on Java over a period of 30 years. Additionally, the solar panels offer job opportunities, provide surplus power for the local population, and can serve as educational material to help private individuals understand the benefits of solar panels.

The first feasibility study into solar panels has currently been completed and submitted to the local government. They are currently assessing whether to further explore the use of solar panels.

Figure 2: flooding near Pekalongan, Indonesia.