Solar powered boat introduced in Semarang

Main Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo took part in a examination where fishermen in Semarang were allowed to try out the solar powered boat.

“The solar powered boat is much less noisy, economical, employs easy technology and is eco-friendly. But the price of the machine is still costly, around Rp 250 mil (US$18, 000) depending on the scale the boat, ” said Ganjar as quoted by Antara news agency on Thurs.

The boat uses electric outboard motor Torqeedo made in Indonesia, which runs on battery packs charged by solar panels attached to top of the boat.

“The solar power panels will absorb the sun's rays after which store the energy in the electric batteries, ” explained project office manager and consultant Franklin Tambunan.

According to Franklin, such basic operations with the motor might ease the work of a anglers when he operated the boat in sea.

“The solar cellular, batteries and installation cable connection can hold up for about more than 20 years with almost zero servicing as they are made of anti-corrosive light weight aluminum, ” Franklin added.

Ganjar said that his administration is getting ready to facilitate the usage of such technologies in the province.

He additionally hoped that the government might lower the import contract price for such a machine.

“I hope the price [of the motor] might be lowered to make it affordable with regard to fishermen, and it would be much better if it could be produced in your area - especially since Australia as the producer is prepared to partner with Indonesia, ” stated Ganjar.

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