Can Tokelau support itself with solar energy?

Tokelau, an island nation in the South Pacific, is now completely able to support itself with solar energy. Elly Earls met Joseph Mayhew of the New Zealand Aid Programme to find out how this tiny collection of atolls has become almost 100% self-sufficient in less than 12 months.

Where does Tokelau get its electricity from?

Except for that part of the electricity supply provided by Solar Photovoltaic (PV) to TeleTok facilities on all three atolls and the University of the South Pacific (USP) facility on Atafu, essentially all energy in Tokelau currently is from imported petroleum.

Could Tokelau be the world's first renewable nation?

Solar power plants and coconut biofuel-powered generators switched on in Tokelau has made the islands the world’s first truly renewable nation.’ Imagine a place where the only energy to be found is clean, reliable solar power. Solar Array’s seen on the three tiny islands of Tokelau to completely produce solar power energy.

How much electricity does a solar system provide in Tokelau?

Each system alone is among the largest off-grid solar power systems in the world, and together they are capable of providing 150% of current electricity demand in Tokelau, a much higher amount than the 90% that was originally planned for.

Why is electricity so expensive in Tokelau?

Before the PowerSmart systems were installed on the nation’s three atolls, Tokelau was highly dependent on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy needs and therefore vulnerable to international price fluctuations and increasing fuel costs, making electricity extremely expensive for both households and businesses.

What is Tokelau's energy policy?

The primary focus of the policy is the desire of Tokelau to become self-reliant in energy through a combination of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.