Can solar panels make electricity in Tokelau?

“The sun shines a lot in Tokelau, and we can use solar panels to make sunlight into electricity. The sun’s energy is called energy, and it’s renewable. Tokelau is the first in the world to use renewable energy to make electricity.

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.

How does Tokelau get its electricity?

It gets nearly all of its electricity from the sun. Tokelau is made up of three atolls. An atoll is a ring of small islands with seawater in the middle. The photo on page 10 shows one of the small islands. Each atoll has a power station. This square shows where the power station is on each atoll.

Why is Tokelau a renewable fuel?

Tokelau has a lot of coconut trees. The coconuts from the trees produce coconut oil, which can be burnt to produce electricity. Coconut oil is a renewable fuel because the people of Tokelau can grow more coconut trees. Oil, coal, and natural gas are fossil fuels. Scientists believe these fuels have been made underground over millions of years.

How do solar power stations work in New Zealand?

In 2012, New Zealand engineers began building three power stations in Tokelau, one station on each atoll. These power stations have solar panels (more than 4,000 altogether) that use sunlight to make electricity. The electricity from the panels can be stored in huge batteries.

Is Tokelau a good place to live?

Tokelau is the first in the world to use renewable energy to make electricity. Everyone in Tokelau is very proud a small country has done such a big thing.” Hilivelio’s mother is very pleased, too. “Now, everyone is very happy because we have power twenty-four hours a day,” she says, “and we have done something good for the environment too.”