Pacific islands of Tokelau: 100% Solar Powered
The South Pacific Island nation of Tokelau has become the first nation to receive almost all of its energy needs from photovoltaic enabled power. The New Zealand run territory with a population of around 1400 has achieved its energy goal and is now independent of its parent country for electrical power.
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully welcomed the completion of a the final New Zealand-funded solar power system in Tokelau.
"The Tokelau Renewable Energy Project is a world first. Tokelau's three main atolls now have enough solar capacity, on average, to meet electricity needs," Mr McCully says.
The $8.5 million solar power project involved constructing solar-based mini grids on three atolls.
"Until now, Tokelau has been 100 per cent dependent upon diesel for electricity generation, with heavy economic and environmental costs," Mr McCully says. "New Zealand is very pleased to be able to support Tokelau in reaching its renewable energy goals through an advance of $7 million in New Zealand's aid allocation to the territory.
The locals have diesel supplies for emergencies and as back up but if all goes to plan the entire population will see energy needs met purely from the sun.
