Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with the University of Sussex and Universitas Indonesia (UI), is conducting an international research project titled Participation of Women in Renewable Energy (POWERE).
The project focuses on the use of floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems in coastal areas while empowering women to play a central role in their management. The field research, located on Tanakeke Island, South Sulawesi, runs from January 2025 to December 2028.
The project was initiated by Professor Raminder Kaur, an anthropologist from the University of Sussex who has since moved to the University of Manchester, and Dr. Muhammad Zamzam Fauzanafi, a lecturer at the Department of Anthropology, UGM, along with several colleagues. Together, they aim to develop theoretical frameworks within the growing field of energy anthropology, which explores the interrelations between energy, technology, and society.
“The focus is not only on the technical aspects of solar panels but also on how the technology is understood, accepted, or even modified by local communities,” said Dr. Fauzanafi on Monday (Oct. 6).
According to Dr. Fauzanafi, human life is not solely determined by people themselves but also by their relationships with non-human elements. He explained that infrastructures and material aspects play equally vital roles.
“We can observe the connections between humans and technology, water, wind, and even the materials used in energy installations,” explained the co-leader of the research project.
POWERE highlights women’s participation through Self-Help Groups (SHG), as women are often more closely engaged with daily energy needs.
The project model aims to support SHGs affiliated with village-owned enterprises (BUMDes) involved in seaweed farming, enabling them to transition from diesel-based energy to floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems in South Sulawesi.
“Women-led programs tend to be more organized and sustainable. However, they are often marginalized in energy-related initiatives,” he noted.
Through this project, women are encouraged to take leadership roles, such as operating solar panels to power seaweed drying facilities or providing battery energy for boats.
The field research phase of the project will last one year, while the overall program is designed to run for three years.
Throughout the process, Dr. Fauzanafi emphasized the importance of ensuring that FPV development goes beyond formality and generates real benefits for the community.
The project’s outcomes are expected to be replicated in other regions across Southeast Asia and Africa.
“Many previous energy programs failed because they did not involve the local community. We want to ensure this one is truly sustainable,” he asserted.
In addition to producing academic publications, Dr. Fauzanafi and his team aim for the project to serve as a practical learning model for other communities managing community-based renewable energy with a focus on gender equality.
He stated that the project offers dual benefits, enriching the academic field of energy anthropology while providing practical access to energy for marginalized communities.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Illustration: ScienceDirect