The UGM Library and Archives held a talkshow titled “Addressing Energy Challenges: Building Renewable Energy Businesses (EBT) Without Capital from Campus” on Wednesday, 27 November 2025, at the Seminar Room. The event served as a platform for students and the public to discuss clean energy innovations and future business opportunities in the renewable energy sector.
The event began with a welcoming remark from the Head of the UGM Library and Archives, who emphasized the importance of energy literacy and the role of universities in fostering innovation. “Universities are homes to big ideas. Renewable energy must be supported by research and creativity,” he said. The opening address highlighted that the discourse on renewable energy has now entered a more applicative stage, extending beyond theoretical discussions into entrepreneurship and innovation downstreaming. This aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting sustainable development, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
Maulana Istar, S.T., Founder of Gepo Energy, presented the development of Genting Photovoltaic, a roof tile, shaped solar panel equipped with self-cleaning technology and IoT features. “We aim to create technology that is simple, aesthetic, and capable of making a real impact on emission reduction,” he explained.
The product has been implemented in Dusun Tamanan and Desa Pitu, resulting in emission reductions ranging from several hundred kilograms to several tons of CO₂ per year. This innovation aligns with SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Maulana also highlighted the significant potential of the local solar panel industry. “The challenges are tough, but the opportunities are far greater if research and collaboration continue to strengthen,” he asserted.
Gepo Energy, formally established as PT Gepo Energy Nusantara in November 2023, is a startup focused on providing accessible renewable energy solutions. Beyond its solar roof tiles, the company also offers various PLTS services, including conventional PV, bifacial PV, and rooftile PV systems. Gepo continues to enhance its research and development efforts to improve efficiency, reduce production costs, and optimize product durability.
The second speaker, Ahmad Agus Setiawan, Ph.D., explained how students can start renewable energy businesses through campus-based research, business incubation programs, and grants. “Many technologies originate from undergraduate theses and laboratory research,” he said. He also presented several student-involved projects, including village energy programs, microgrid systems, and solar-powered water pumps, initiatives that reflect contributions to SDG 4 and SDG 9.
During the discussion session, students raised issues regarding business capital challenges, communication strategies with grassroots communities, and the integration of artificial intelligence in campus research. Responding to these questions, Maulana emphasized the importance of community engagement and education in implementing EBT projects. He also assured that the Genting Photovoltaic product is designed for long-term use with simple maintenance. “We designed these solar tiles to remain relevant in diverse community settings, including areas with limited technical support,” he noted. The discussion further underscored that renewable energy development is not solely about complex technology but also about social approaches, sustainability, and adaptability to community needs.
Moderated by Faza Honny Parikesit, the talkshow reinforced the role of universities as engines of energy transition. From laboratories to remote villages, and from fundamental research to the implementation of solar energy products, collaboration between researchers, young innovators, and communities is viewed as a key pathway toward a clean energy future for Indonesia by 2030.
Contributor: Erma Eviana