Participation of Women in Renewable Energy (POWERE)
Our research uses floating solar power to support sustainable seaweed farming and remote island communities.
About us
The Global South, especially island and coastal communities, faces severe climate vulnerabilities due to poverty, inequality, and reliance on climate-dependent sectors, worsened by rising sea levels, extreme weather and limited energy access. Many off-grid communities depend on costly, polluting fossil fuels like diesel. POWERE introduces near-offshore floating photovoltaics (FPV) as an inclusive renewable energy solution, starting in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. By integrating FPV with women-led seaweed farming cooperatives, we aim to empower marginalised coastal communities through sustainable energy access and economic opportunities, fostering both environmental and social resilience.
Explore island life
Tamparang fisherman acting as team guides.
Tamparang coastal home.
Local woman seaweed farmer.
POWERE team members planning with village residents.
Women participating in discussions about their village electricity needs.
Seaweed harvest.
Traditional rack-drying (para-para).
Fisherman commutes.
Sulawesi sunset.
POWERE.
Man checks on the condition of the seaweed in the farms.
Woman ties seaweed to ropes before they are taken out into the nearshore seaweed farms.
Muhammad Xamzam Fauzanafi does some sensory filmmaking on seaweed in Sulawesi.
The team reflect on the day of activities on a remote island in Sulawesi.
The POWERE team prepare for fieldwork in Sulawesi’s capital, Makassar, in Indonesia.
POWERE postdoctoral researchers talk to Research Assistants from Hasanuddin University as they sail between islands in Sulawesi.
Woman melts ties a little to make it easier to attach seaweed onto ropes for the sea.
There are 10 solar panel systems attached to houses from one village. One of the team members enjoys singing Hindi film songs on a karaoke system.
Contact
If you have any questions, email projectpowere@gmail.com.