Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has formalised the collaboration with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) with a signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Room A of the Rectorate Building, Jalan Tamansari, Bandung on 24 July 2018. IIASA is an Austrian research institute.
According to the announcement released by ITB, this cooperation will focus on the Bio-energy combined with Carbon Capture Storage (BECCS) field, wherein both institutes will work together through interdisciplinary research activities.
Researchers, scientists and experts from both sides will develop and implement a joint research project which will be funded by a third party. This collaboration will open doors to having graduate student exchanges, and swapping of information including access to relevant databases.
Moreover, there will also be joint scientific publications, research participation from academic staff in seminars and conferences, among other collaborations.
ITB Rector Prof Dr Kadarsah Suryadi, DEA, welcomed this cooperation as is it very much aligned with ITB’s move from a research university to an entrepreneurial university. One of the inducers of this change is expansion to having research projects in the international scale.
He said that the MoU signing between ITB and IIASA to take on an international project on carbon capture storage and bio-energy blend is a proof in successfully adding another international partner.
The MoU signifies that the cooperation between ITB and IIASA falls under one integrated umbrella. There are several interactions already between IIASA and other research centres in ITB and this MoU incorporates all of these activities at an institutional level.
IIASA researcher staff Mr Ping Yowargana explained that other ITB research centres, which they have cooperated with, include the Centre for Entrepreneurship Policy, New and Renewable Energy Centre and CCS/CCUS CoE, among others.
He then discussed BECCS and how challenging this field is as it combines two very complex sectors: land and energy. IIASA will be able to contribute as it is an international research institute based in Laxenburg, Austria engaged with modelling for complex issues.
IIASA is experienced in connecting with expert groups from various scientific disciplines coming from different countries. Partnering with ITB will bring the specificity of their research to the Indonesian context.
Developing BECCS is very significant for Indonesia since it is considered as one of the world’s forest centres. When use of energy generated from bio-energy becomes more popular in the future, zero carbon emission will be utilised more.
In relation to this, CCS / CCUS CoE Center Manager Dr Mohammad Rachmat Sule highlighted the preparation of ITB for its CCS Pilot Project in Southeast Asia and South Asia. The aim of this will also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions regionally and globally.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by ITB Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation and Cooperation Prof Dr Ir. Dr. Bambang Riyanto Trilaksono and IIASA Director General and Chief Executive Prof Dr Pavel Kabat.
Also present to witness the signing were ITB Rector Prof Dr Kadarsah Suryadi, DEA., Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Prof Dr Dr. Bermawi P. Iskandar, Vice-Rector for Finance, Planning and Development who also served as Executive Director of CoE CCS / CCUS, Prof Dr Wawan Gunawan A. Kadir, and other ITB faculty members.
