Tokelau leads way with 90% renewable power

Photo / Nasa

A Pacific territory vulnerable to sea level rise is the first nation in the world to get 90 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources.

The three atolls of New Zealand-administered Tokelau - Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo - are getting nearly all their power from more than 4000 solar panels in a project that has won the 2014 EECA renewable energy award.

The $8.5 million New Zealand-funded system replaces noisy, smelly diesel generators, to the pleasure of the atolls' 1400 inhabitants.

"The people of Tokelau are very much enjoying the new form of renewable energy," said Robin Pene, the system's manager.

Output from the power plants, which are monitored from New Zealand, is greater than expected, requiring no backup generation when the sun's out.

"In cloudy weather the solar output is not so good and as designed requires generator backup to fully charge the batteries. This reduces the annual energy output to about 90 per cent efficiency, which is still greater than pre-construction expectations," Pene said.

Tokelau, which is 500km north of Samoa and about midway between New Zealand and Hawaii, is subject to tropical cyclones and most of its 12sq km are 3m-5m above the high tide mark.

The northernmost atoll, Atafu, is 200km from the most southerly, Fakaofo.

That makes Pene's job of keeping the three power plants going challenging.

"There are inherent risks that come with the geographical situation by way of cyclones and sea damage and simply from the remoteness of our position."

But the equipment has been built to withstand the conditions and monitoring from New Zealand via the internet alerts local maintenance staff to any problems.

Pene said Tokelauans felt good about being renewable energy pioneers.

"Most people are proud of the achievement and what it has provided."

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, which presented the award last week, said Tokelau's example was set to be followed by the Cook Islands and Tuvalu.

The judges said: "The system is very replicable in island states and a great leadership example of what can be achieved, including developing local skills for construction and maintenance."

The Herald is an editorial partner of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority Awards.