The Solar Ice Maker project, which began as a prototype in 2022, is an innovative solution that combats climate change and helps small-scale fisheries in remote areas compete on an equal footing in global seafood markets. The Solar Ice Maker is an entirely off-grid facility, using solar energy to produce up to one ton of high-quality ice daily. Thus, it allows for continuous ice production, enhances cold storage capabilities, and minimises spoilage. Access to fresh water is vital for the ice maker to operate efficiently. Replacing expensive batteries is often one of the most significant costs associated with solar energy applications. The technology used in the solar ice maker overcomes this challenge by relying on thermal energy storage rather than batteries.
This innovative technology will be a game-changer for the small-scale fishers who go to sea daily, catching sought-after tuna with their highly selective handline fishing gear. The improved quality of their catch, brought about by the ‘solar ice’, will help safeguard their livelihoods, improve local food security, and open up lucrative export market opportunities. This initiative, combined with upskilling fishers to improve handling practices, cold chain protocols, financial literacy, and asset management, enhances the livelihoods of small-scale fishers in a climate-friendly manner.
Shannon Hardisty, Social Responsibility Director of IPNLF, explains, “As simple as it may sound, ice is a crucial step in the supply chain to achieve a higher-quality product. With this innovation, fishers can nearly triple their income because of the higher-grade tuna they sell. Their product can be sold to international markets such as Japan and the USA with that grade, which means rural fishers can increase access to global markets and improve their livelihoods.”
How does the Solar Ice Maker operate?
Frank Stegmüller, live from the Solar Ice Maker launch event in Kawa on 15 October, 2024
“Through this partnership with IPNLF under the UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge, we are set to transform fishery supply chains and reduce carbon emissions in international supply chains. The solar ice maker technology is designed to meet Indonesia’s needs by providing 100% greenhouse gas emission-free ice for small-scale, coastal fishery communities and reducing post-harvest losses. This shows how the global energy transition can effectively meet local needs while preserving sustainable fishing practices and reducing carbon emissions.”
— Frank Stegmüller, Lead Industry Decarbonisation & Energy Island Solutions, Energy Programme, GIZ Indonesia/ASEAN
