Nearly 100 per cent of Tokelau’s electricity needs are now met through solar energy, which has allowed the nation to ditch much of its heavy reliance on diesel generators.
The New Zealand Government has announced the completion of a third commercial scale solar power system in the territory. New Zealand’s Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully said the $8.5 million Tokelau Renewable Energy Project is a world first.
“Until now, Tokelau has been 100 per cent dependent upon diesel for electricity generation, with heavy economic and environmental costs. Completed on time and on budget, the project is an excellent example of how small Pacific nations can lead the way on renewable energy development.”
New Zealand supported the project through an advance of $7 million in the country’s aid allocation to the territory.
The three 300kW hybrid PV based solar power systems incorporate SMA Sunny Island inverter chargers. The project also marks the first time that not only an entire country is powered by SMA-based systems, but the installations also represent the largest AC coupled hybrid systems in the world.
Around-the-clock power is something most of us take for granted, but continuous electricity supply is something Tokelau has only had since 2006.
Situated in the South Pacific Ocean, Tokelau is home to 1400 people and consists of three atolls covering an area of just over 12 square kilometres. The largest atoll is Nukunonu at 4.7 sq km. Fakaofo and Atafu are 4 sq km and 3.5 sq km respectively.
Like many other island nations, Tokelau is threatened by rising sea levels, a consequence of global warming spurred on by the combustion of fossil fuels.
“Building on the success of clean and affordable energy solutions for Tokelau, Tonga, and the Cook Islands, New Zealand will co-host a Pacific energy summit in March next year,” said Minister McCully.
