Does Tokelau have a solar power system?

Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully today welcomed the completion of a third New Zealand-funded solar power system in Tokelau – meaning almost 100 per cent of the territory’s electricity needs are met through solar generation. “The Tokelau Renewable Energy Project is a world first.

Can a solar array power Tokelau?

Solar Array’s seen on the three tiny islands of Tokelau to completely produce solar power energy. The renewable energy system comprising of solar panels, storage batteries and generators running on biofuel derived from coconut will generate enough electricity to meet 150% of the islands’ power demand.

Why did Tokelau switch to solar?

Yet despite the challenges involved in installing comprehensive solar systems in such a remote location, switching to solar was absolutely crucial for the tiny collection of islands. "Tokelau’s atolls are low-lying and especially susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change," Mayhew stressed.

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.

How much does a diesel generator cost in Tokelau?

Indeed, until recently, diesel generators were burning around 200 litres of fuel daily on each atoll, meaning more than 2,000 barrels of diesel were used to generate electricity in Tokelau each year, costing more than $1m NZD.

How far is Tokelau from Samoa?

But it hasn’t been an easy task. Tokelau is an extremely remote nation – the closest atoll is around 500km north of Samoa, there are no airstrips or wharves and the only access is a long boat trip from Samoa that ends outside the reefs, where a landing barge can deliver passengers and equipment to shore.