The South Pacific nation of Tokelau will soon become the first country in the world to have all its electricity needs met by solar power.

Tokelau is made up of three tropical atolls (Fakaofo, Nukunonu, and Atafu) in the Pacific Ocean. The atolls have a total land area of 10km² and a population of approximately 1,500 people.

New Zealand company Powersmart Solar is the lead contractor for the Tokelau Renewable Energy Project, which started in April this year. When complete it will replace the diesel electricity systems currently operating on each of the islands with solar power systems and battery storage.