Guest Lecture by Water Resources Engineering FTUB: Reservoir Potential as a Floating Solar PV Media

The Department of Water Resources Engineering (WRE), Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya (FTUB), held a guest lecture on the theme Reservoir Potential as a Floating Solar PV Media on Friday, December 13, 2024. The event, hosted in the Auditorium of Prof. Ir. Suryono, 2nd Floor of the FTUB Dean Building, was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate WRE students.

The lecture featured speakers Ir. Anang Yahmadi (WRE’87, PLN – Executive Committee KNIBB) and Udien Yulianto, S.T. (WRE’89, Perum Jasa Tirta II), moderated by Prof. Ratih Indi Hapsari, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. (WRE’94), Vice Director IV of POLINEMA. This event was also part of the 3rd National Congress (Musyawarah Nasional III) of the Forum Alumni Pengairan (FAP), aiming to strengthen the relationship between alumni and students of Water Resources Engineering.

In his remarks, Yanuar Hendra Pramana (WRE’06), the event chairperson, emphasized the program’s importance as a platform for the younger generation’s preparation.

“This guest lecture not only provides fresh insights but also involves students to prepare for succession. In a few years, it will be you who return to campus, stepping into the shoes of today’s speakers,” he said.

The Head of the Department of Water Resources Engineering, FTUB, expressed that the lecture theme was highly relevant and could inspire future research.

“This topic could serve as a research idea for the students. Not many WRE alumni pursue careers at PLN, and Mr. Anang is one of the few who has succeeded there,” he explained.

The event aimed to introduce the concept and potential of Floating Solar Power Plants (PLTS Terapung) in Indonesia. The speakers highlighted that reservoirs are highly promising as media for floating solar PV systems due to their extensive water surface and minimal land-use competition, making them an innovative solution to meet renewable energy demands.

During the presentation, Ir. Anang Yahmadi emphasized diversifying renewable energy sources to support Indonesia’s energy transition. He highlighted the significant potential of reservoirs for floating solar PV systems due to their land-use efficiency and additional benefits, such as reduced water evaporation. Udien Yulianto, S.T., from Perum Jasa Tirta II, elaborated on the technical implementation of floating solar PV systems, from design to operational challenges.

Dr.Eng. Ir. Indradi Wijatmiko, S.T., M.Eng.(Prac), Vice Dean I of FTUB, noted that the activity was an important bridge between alumni and students.

“Academically, we provide knowledge to students, but for knowledge development and field experience, we seek assistance from alumni to share their insights,” he said.

The guest lecture provided relevant and inspiring knowledge for students. With the presence of experts and successful alumni, the event is expected to motivate young engineers to continue innovating, especially in the field of renewable energy.

Participants actively engaged during the Q&A session, reflecting the strong synergy between academics, practitioners, and alumni in fostering the advancement of science and technology.