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| Renewable energy |
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Renewable energy in theCook Islands is primarily provided bysolar energy and biomass. Since 2011 the Cook Islands has embarked on a programme of renewable energy development to improve itsenergy security and reducegreenhouse gas emissions,[1] with an initial goal of reaching 50% renewable electricity by 2015, and 100% by 2020.[2] The programme has been assisted by the governments ofJapan,Australia, andNew Zealand, and theAsian Development Bank.[2][3]
Funding to provide solar panels with battery backup to the Northern atolls was provided by a NZ$20.5 million aid programme from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, with construction provided by PowerSmart Solar of New Zealand.[4] The first solar site atRakahanga was completed in September 2014.Pukapuka andNassau were next, going online at Christmas 2014. Construction began atTongareva on 23 February 2015 and just 10 weeks later both villagesOmoka and Te Tautua were running on solar power.[5]Manihiki was progressed at the same time. In June 2015 all of the northern atolls were fully solar powered, reducing the need to send ships north during the November to April cyclone season.[6] A second phase of the project to provide solar farms toAtiu,Mangaia,Mauke andMitiaro was completed in July 2019.[7]
In 2014 construction began on the 960 kWTe Mana O Te Ra solar farm atRarotonga International Airport.[8] The solar farm was commissioned in October 2014.[9] In September 2022 three battery-electric storage systems with a combined capacity of 13 MWh were installed on Rarotonga.[10]
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