Giving the gift of water, courtesy of the sun

Boen Village, about an eight-hour drive from Kupang in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, faces significant challenges due to limited infrastructure and tough terrain. Despite being home to more than 1,000 residents, the village has untapped economic potential, primarily in food crop production. However, the community’s development is hampered by the critical issue of water scarcity, forcing residents to travel long distances daily to obtain water from the Benanain River, their sole water source.

This water scarcity has far-reaching implications, affecting various aspects of community life, including sanitation, education, productivity, and the economy. The financial burden of purchasing water, which can consume up to 74% of the average monthly income, exacerbates the situation. In response to this pressing need, in collaboration with Solar Chapter, the initiator of the Water for Boen program, Indika Energy assisted units of solar photovoltaic for Boen Village. Harnessing the abundant sunlight in this region of eastern Indonesia, a piped water distribution network was developed using pumps powered by solar energy. This emissions-free and sustainable solution was successfully completed on Indonesian Independence Day, August 17th 2023, following meticulous planning and execution.

The installation comprises a solar photovoltaic array from EMITS with total power capacity of 9,900 Wp, which serves as the backbone of the pump system, facilitating water distribution throughout the village. This transformative initiative aims not only to address the immediate water needs of the community but also to unlock the village’s economic potential, fostering opportunities for improved welfare and health among residents.

Through this collaborative effort, Indika Energy and Solar Chapter Indonesia are committed to empowering Boen Village with sustainable access to clean water, catalyzing positive socio-economic development and enhancing the quality of life for residents.