A Tauranga energy company will head a $30 million project targeted at providing renewable energy to the Pacific Islands.
Foreign Minister Murray McCully today announced solar electricity company PowerSmart was awarded the construction contracts for two major renewable energy projects.
The projects will result in solar energy covering 95 per cent of the electricity demands of large parts of the Cook Islands and Tuvalu.
"New Zealand is committed to working with Pacific countries to increase access to clean, efficient and affordable energy, and reducing the regions' reliance on imported diesel," Mr McCully said.
"In the Cook Islands, New Zealand is supporting the construction of eight solar generation systems for the six outer islands of Rakahanga, Pukapuka, Nassau, Penrhyn, Manihiki and Palmerston. The total value of this investment is $20.5 million.