UNS – A team of students from the Electrical Engineering program at the Faculty of Engineering (FT), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, has achieved remarkable success. They secured first place in the 2024 Applied Creativity and Innovation in Renewable Energy Competition, held by the Institut Teknologi PLN (ITPLN) and the Indonesian Electrical Society (MKI) at the Jakarta Convention Center from Wednesday (20/11/2024) to Friday (22/11/2024). Competing against young innovators from various universities in Indonesia, the FT UNS team won the top prize with their groundbreaking innovation, RenewCell.

RenewCell is a sustainable solution developed by the UNS team to recondition used lithium batteries into energy storage systems that can be applied across various sectors. This innovation reflects UNS students’ commitment to renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The team, comprising Aflahal Fahmi, Ilham Dwi Rahayu, Ikrar Gawanusa Bhakti, and Ryandanu Wahyu Ersatama, was mentored by Ir. Agus Ramelan, S.Pd., M.T.

“The RenewCell innovation we developed offers a practical and eco-friendly solution for managing lithium battery waste. This product employs reconditioning technology to transform used batteries into functional energy storage, aligning with sustainability goals by reducing environmental impact and supporting Indonesia’s transition to renewable energy,” Ilham, one of the team members, explained on Tuesday (3/12/2024).

The Applied Creativity and Innovation in Renewable Energy Competition aims to encourage innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. It invites participants to create projects that enhance efficiency, sustainability, and positive environmental impact, particularly focusing on technologies that support Indonesia’s shift to eco-friendly energy sources. The competition also prioritizes identifying practical solutions in areas such as energy utilization for businesses (including MSMEs), household energy needs, and environmental sustainability initiatives.

“Participants are expected to design technologies that optimize energy usage, reduce environmental impacts, and facilitate the transition to renewable energy. This competition provides a platform to showcase creative and practical solutions relevant to current energy challenges and support sustainable economic development in Indonesia,” Ilham added.

The UNS team’s success contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 9 and 13. Innovations in industry play a vital role in mitigating negative impacts on the climate and environment. These goals focus on creating a greener future by promoting resilient development and addressing the urgent challenges of climate change.

The UNS team’s achievement demonstrates the potential of young innovators in advancing sustainable energy solutions, paving the way for a more environmentally conscious and resilient Indonesia. HUMAS UNS