In the clear waters of Gili Matra Marine Park, off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia, a pioneering initiative has quietly reshaped the future of coral reefs. The collaboration between Gili Eco Trust, a non government environmental organization, AquaGen, a renewable energy tech start up and Conservation Diver, experts in marine conservation and underwater art, supported by the Global Coral Reef Alliance, has given birth to the Blue Energy Reef – a testament to the potentials of renewable energy in coral restoration.

The Quest for Sustainable Power

Gili Eco Trust’s journey began with a mission: to replenish the coral reefs of Gili Matra using innovative methods such as coral gardening, coral propagation, and the revolutionary Biorock reef restoration technology.

When connected to electricity, these unique Biorock reefs start to grow. Dissolved minerals from the oceans chemistry accumulate ont the rebar of the Biorock to create a hard substrate perfect for corals to grow on. Thanks to the power received, transplanted corals can grow up to 8 times faster on a Biorock, than on the natural reef.

Biorocks, in particular, emerged as a resilient solution during the 2016 mass bleaching event, showcasing their ability to withstand temperature stresses induced by global warming. However, even though Biorock has the ability to bring a heightened resilience to warmer oceans, they were still powered by Indonesia’s main electricity grid: coal, oil and gas. To make this technology truely sustainable, the team turned to the oceans infinite hydropower as a renewable way to provide power to these coral structures.

Enter AquaGen, a UK-Canadian tech startup, which designed and modified a specialized ocean turbine for Biorock technology. This partnership aimed to harness the iconic marine currents around the Gilis for renewable energy, making Biorock coral restoration completely off-grid and replicable, even in remote areas.

From Proposal to Reality

Funded by a grant from the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) In a meticulous process that spanned years, approvals from the Indonesian Ministry of Marine Fisheries and Affairs were secured, and the team acquired the necessary materials. The Biorock structures were carefully crafted, and a unique artistic vision, managed by marine biologist and artist Spencer Arnold, breathed life into the project.

The Blue Energy Reef Unveiled

In November 2023, stakeholders, dive professionals, and marine enthusiasts gathered on Gili Trawangan to witness the culmination of years of planning and hard work – the unveiling of the Blue Energy Reef. Against the backdrop of a turquoise sea, ‘The Siren’s Cry’ was sunk to her final resting place. A seahorse ridden by siren and a majestic octopus adorned the ocean floor, each structure connected to a turbine powered by AquaGen’s innovative technology.

The day-long workshop featured engaging presentations from key figures, including Haji Malik (Director of Gili Eco Trust), Delphine Robbe (Project Manager), Shezad Abedi (Physicist and Engineer for AquaGen), and artist Spencer Arnold. Attendees delved into Q&A sessions, media interviews, and hands-on participation in the installation process.

Sustainable Growth and Beyond

With the Blue Energy Reef now thriving, monitoring dives are underway. Dive professionals, volunteers, and marine biologists worked together to attach corals, clean the turbine, and observe the marine life that has flourished and reclaimed the once-barren area.

As the Blue Energy Reef becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration, it stands as a testament to the impact that collaborative efforts, innovative technology, and artistic vision can have on restoring our precious coral reefs. Not to mention the boost to eco-tourism for the Gili Islands, with a fantastic addition to the underwater world for scuba, freediving and snorkelling on this unique point of interest.

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