Solar-Powered Cold Storage Inaugurated at IPB University, Highlighting Indonesian–German Energy Cooperation

Bogor, 18 August 2026 – Indonesia and Germany underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing the global energy transition during a high-level event at IPB University in Bogor, bringing together representatives from government, academia, research institutions, development cooperation and the private sector.

The event brought together Indonesian and German perspective on the global energy transition, with welcome remarks from IPB University Rector Dr Alim Setiawan Slamet and keynote speeches by Vice Minister of National Development Planning Febrian Alphyanto Ruddyard and German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan.

Discussion focused on the challenges and opportunities of the global energy transition and the role of international cooperation in supporting practical solutions. Upon arrival, the delegation visited a showcase of innovative start-ups, featuring technologies and entrepreneurial solutions that can contribute to Indonesia’s sustainable energy transition and economic development.

The programme continued with one of its main highlights, the inauguration of a solar-powered cold storage facility at IPB University. The IPB Rector, Director of Renewable Energy, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of the Republic of Indonesia, delivered remarks, followed by an address from Federal Minister Alabali Radovan before the facility was officially launched. The facility provides a practical example of how climate and energy cooperation can connect research and technology with private-sector expertise and local development needs. The use of natural refrigerants and energy-efficient cooling technologies also helps reduce the environmental impact of the facility while supporting more sustainable food storage and distribution.

Indonesia’s Role in the Global Energy Transition

Indonesia has an important role to play in global climate protection. As one of the world’s major economies, with growing energy demand and significant renewable-energy potential, the direction of Indonesia’s energy transition has implications beyond the country itself. At the same time, the transition is highly relevant to Indonesia’s own development, with greater renewable-energy deployment, improved energy efficiency and stronger supporting infrastructure contributing to energy security, economic competitiveness, innovation and new investment opportunities.

Indonesian–German cooperation supports this agenda through policy dialogue, research, technology, innovation and practical applications. The event at IPB University highlighted the importance of connecting these areas so that policy ambitions can be supported by workable technologies, investment and partnerships.

Connecting Energy and Food Priorities

The solar-powered cold storage facility shows how the energy transition can also support priorities beyond the energy sector. The initiative relates to Indonesia’s Asta Cita priorities on energy and food self-sufficiency, as stronger local food supply chains depend on reliable storage, cooling and distribution infrastructure, all of which require energy.

Energy-efficient cold-chain solutions can help reduce food losses and support local producers. The use of natural refrigerants, alongside energy-efficient cooling technologies, can further reduce the environmental impact of cold storages. When powered by solar energy, they can also reduce reliance on diesel-based power, demonstrating how renewable-energy solutions can contribute to climate objectives while supporting productive economic activity and local development.

From Demonstration to Wider Application

The solar-powered cold storage facility at IPB University was developed through Indonesian–German technology cooperation, supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources of Republic of Indonesia. Through its Indonesia & ASEAN Energy Programme, GIZ initiated the solar-powered cold storage concept and led its development from an initial idea to practical demonstration. Drawing on its technical expertise and experience, GIZ brought together IPB University, German applied research expertise, and Indonesian as well as German companies to jointly develop the solution and adapt it to the Indonesian context. The collaboration combines research, technology and industry expertise that can inform the potential wider application.

Designed as a proof of concept, the facility is intended to generate practical experience that can help assess whether similar approaches could be applied more widely under different conditions in Indonesia. Lessons from the pilot can also help identify what would be needed for similar solutions to move beyond demonstration and explore opportunities for private investment, commercially viable business models and relevant public programmes.

The cooperation also shows the value of bringing research institutions and industry together. Applied research can help adapt technologies to local conditions and ensure that knowledge and lessons from the pilot are widely available further replication, while companies contribute practical expertise on implementation, operation and market needs. The start-up showcase held as part of the event further highlighted the contribution that entrepreneurs and emerging companies can make through new technologies, services and business models.

Deepening Cooperation and Mobilising Private Investment

The inauguration reflects the broader importance of Indonesian–German cooperation on climate and the energy transition. Indonesia’s progress in developing a more sustainable energy system is important for achieving its own long-term development objectives and for global climate protection. Practical initiatives such as the IPB facility provide an opportunity to test technologies, build experience and explore whether similar approaches could be adapted or applied elsewhere.

Looking ahead, greater private-sector participation and investment will play an important role in accelerating Indonesia’s sustainable energy transition. Mobilising private investment alongside public financing and development cooperation will be important to support the scale of the transition, particularly the expansion of renewable energy and the grid infrastructure needed to support it.

Future cooperation between Indonesia and Germany can build on existing partnerships by supporting greater private-sector involvement and exploring opportunities for investment, technology development and cooperation between Indonesian and German businesses and research institutions. By linking climate cooperation with technology, research, innovation and private-sector investment, the two countries can deepen their partnership while creating further opportunities for sustainable economic development.

The experience at IPB University shows how cooperation can move from policy and research into practical application while opening possibilities for further collaboration that supports Indonesia’s development priorities and its contribution to the global energy transition and climate protection.