Solar-Powered Ice Makers Bring Sustainable Cold-Chain Technology to Indonesian Fishers!
The Solar Ice Maker (SIM) has arrived in Kawa, Indonesia, and we could NOT be happier. This marks an incredible milestone for IPNLF, our project partners, and the fishers of Kawa towards a supply chain fueled by renewable energy. It could also mean a leap forward for artisanal fishers in remote areas worldwide!
The arrival of the Solar Ice Maker (SIM) in Kawa, Indonesia, marks a significant advancement for artisanal fisheries and sustainable seafood production. Developed by Yayasan IPNLF Indonesia (YII), GIZ Indonesia, PT. AIREF, and PT. ASTB, with support from the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge (OIC), the SIM represents a leap forward in creating renewable energy-powered supply chains. This milestone could pave the way for small-scale fisheries in remote regions worldwide to adopt cleaner, more resilient technology.
The SIM is an off-grid, solar photovoltaic-powered ice-making facility, specifically designed to meet the needs of artisanal fishers in remote coastal communities. Unlike traditional solar ice makers that depend on costly batteries, the SIM uses thermal energy storage to produce industrial-standard ice blocks without the need for battery replacements. This innovation addresses a key challenge in scaling sustainable cold-chain solutions for small-scale fishers, while also reducing operational costs and maintenance complexities.
Construction of the first SIM began in 2023, and after a series of trials and adjustments, the second iteration successfully produced high-quality ice in significant quantities. Now fully operational and installed in Kawa, the SIM is set to demonstrate its value as a game-changing technology for artisanal fishers. By providing access to reliable ice production in remote locations, the SIM enhances fish quality and supports sustainable tuna fishing practices, critical to maintaining healthy stocks and meeting market demand for responsibly caught seafood.
Looking ahead, the team is planning a formal launch event in late September to celebrate this achievement. The goal is to scale this innovative cold-chain solution throughout Indonesia, and eventually expand its reach globally, enabling small-scale fishers to sustain their communities, reduce waste, and lower their carbon footprint.
The future of sustainable, climate-friendly seafood is taking shape, one SIM at a time.
Read more about the SIM and her road to Kawa here: