UNDP’s ACCESS Project Kicks Off Training for Timor-Leste Based Operators of Renewable Energy Infrastructure

August 22, 2022

UNDP’s ACCESS project, which works on providing renewable energy to villages in Indonesia and Timor-Leste, will conduct a training program for operators from Timor-Leste. The groups will receive both theoretical and practical knowledge on machine operations and maintenance as the project works to provide renewable electricity to 25 villages in rural areas of Timor-Leste.

Photo by UNDP Indonesia

Jakarta, 22 August 2022— Thirty participants from Timor-Leste are set to participate in a training program on operating renewable energy equipment, conducted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)’s Accelerating Clean Energy Access to Reduce Inequality’ (ACCESS) project, which kicked off today. The project works on providing equitable and sustainable access to electricity in 23 villages in Indonesia and 25 villages in Timor-Leste,  with funding from the Republic of Korea

In collaboration with the Center for Human Resources Development in Electricity, New Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, operators will learn basic installation of Solar PV Water Pumps which will be provided in 11 locations in Bobonaro, Manatuto, and Atauro municipalities. The program will also include a visit to Kuningan, in the province of West Java, where participants will work the local community and related government authorities on operations and maintenance of similar equipment.

“With the ongoing climate and energy crises, it is imperative that we work collectively to develop solutions to make our planet more sustainable. I hope through this program, you will learn the requisite skills as we work together to provide equitable and sustainable access to basic services,” said Mr. Nicholas Booth, Officer- in-Charge, UNDP Indonesia in opening remarks He added that the ACCESS Project contributes strategically on using renewable energy for basic needs and promotes gender equality as part of its work in partnership with the Governments of Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and the Republic of Korea.

The event included a talk show which highlighted the ACCESS project’s work in line with the South-South Cooperation (SSTC) initiative. 

“Under the framework of SSTC, the ACCESS project is designed to promote an exchange of knowledge and experiences, and to strengthen the ties between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. In this sense, as for KOICA, we represent South Korea’s contribution to supporting the cross-board cooperation between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, and eventually opening a new chapter in history.  Thus, KOICA stands to work for the ACCESS Partnership, as well as committed to accelerating clean energy access for rural electrification. We hope with this SSTC scheme all the partners will work and aim our goals together, and we are also having a strong friendship between South Korea, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste.” said Mr. Jeong Yun Gil, Country Director KOICA Indonesia.

The project will contribute to the National Strategic Plan of Timor-Leste 2011-2030, which considers renewable energy a critical component  to economic growth and poverty alleviation, particularly in remote rural areas.

“The problem we face today is access to clean water. Indonesia has the experience, skills, and knowledge to manage and utilize the solar water pump system at its maximum use. Capacity building for our local operators in the targeted locations for the operation and maintenance is, therefore, critical to the project’s sustainability,” said Mr. Belarmino Filomino Neves Director General of Administrative Decentralization, Ministry of State Administration, Timor-Leste.

Mr. Susetyo Edi Prabowo, Head of Center of Human Resources Development in Electricity, New Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation at Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources echoed his words, noting “Solar water pumps are part of a new energy, and we need competent people to operate and maintain them. KOICA and UNDP are working with Center for Human Resources Development in Electricity, New Renewable Energy, and Energy Conservation of MEMR to train locals as operators. With this training, all participants will have theoretical knowledge and the pratical skills to be certified.”

 

ACCESS Project

The ACCESS Project is developed under the partnership of UNDP, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resource  Indonesia, and the Ministry of State Administration Timor-Leste with a grant funded by The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

 

South-South Triangular Cooperation

The South-South Triangular Cooperation is a framework of collaboration among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and technical domains. Under the South-South Triangular Cooperation between Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and the Republic of Korea, Solar PV water pumps and Highly Efficient Solar Lamp System (LTSHE) are installed in remote villages in Timor-Leste, providing sustainable access to clean water and highly efficient lighting. ACCESS is expected to provide access to electricity for at least 20,000 people in Indonesia and Timor-Leste and clean water for 3,500 people in Timor-Leste.

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MEDIA CONTACTS

UNDP Indonesia Communications Specialist, Tomi Soetjipto, suryo.tomi@undp.org

UNDP Indonesia Communications and Advocacy Specialist, Ranjit Jose ranjit.jose@undp.org

UNDP Indonesia ACCESS Project National Project Manager Mathilde Sari Gokmauli, Mathilde.gokmauli@undp.org

UNDP Timor Leste ACCESS Project National Project Manager Bernardino Da Costa Pereira: bernardino.pereira@undp.org