Volunteers from Vena Energy collaborate with local residents to establish a solar charging station, improving access to electricity and supporting everyday livelihoods.
For residents of Kampung Tarente on Nain Island in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, access to electricity has long been a challenge. Without a connection to the national electricity grid, the community has relied on fuel-powered generators, with fuel transported from the city at considerable cost.
Recognising the need for a more accessible and sustainable energy solution, volunteers from Vena Energy’s Minut Solar Project in Likupang came together with local residents and contractor partners to establish a shared solar charging station.
The initiative began when a local resident, who had previously interned with Vena Energy, brought the community’s electricity challenges to the team’s attention. Inspired to make a difference, the team designed a 2,200 W solar charging station using repurposed solar panels that remained in good working condition, giving the equipment a new purpose while supporting the community’s energy needs.
Over approximately three weeks, four Vena Energy employees, 20 employees from contractor partners and three interns travelled by road and boat to Nain Island, working alongside residents to bring the project to life.
Operational since July 2026, the solar charging station provides free access to clean energy for charging flashlights, batteries and other everyday essentials. The facility is available to the wider community of approximately 120 residents, with around 30 residents living within 2 km using it on most days.
For local fishermen, the station provides a practical solution to an essential need: keeping their flashlights charged for fishing activities at sea.
Kampung Tarente resident Alfaro Randaria shared the difference the initiative has made, “When I was growing up, accessing electricity in this village was very challenging. For the local fishermen, one of the key priorities is charging their flashlights, which are essential for their activities at sea. Now fishermen and community members are able to use solar energy to charge their batteries.”
“On behalf of the local community, I would like to thank Vena Energy for this program.”
To support the station’s long-term operation, three community members have received training in basic maintenance, while Vena Energy continues to provide ongoing remote technical support.
Undertaken as part of Vena Energy’s employee volunteer service programme, the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to supporting communities through improved access to essential infrastructure and clean energy.
By bringing together the expertise of its employees and partners with the needs and participation of local communities, Vena Energy continues to turn its purpose of engineering a greener future into meaningful action.