Can Tokelau support itself with solar energy?

Tokelau, an island nation in the South Pacific, is now completely able to support itself with solar energy. Elly Earls met Joseph Mayhew of the New Zealand Aid Programme to find out how this tiny collection of atolls has become almost 100% self-sufficient in less than 12 months.

Where does Tokelau get its electricity from?

Except for that part of the electricity supply provided by Solar Photovoltaic (PV) to TeleTok facilities on all three atolls and the University of the South Pacific (USP) facility on Atafu, essentially all energy in Tokelau currently is from imported petroleum.

Could Tokelau be the world's first renewable nation?

Solar power plants and coconut biofuel-powered generators switched on in Tokelau has made the islands the world’s first truly renewable nation.’ Imagine a place where the only energy to be found is clean, reliable solar power. Solar Array’s seen on the three tiny islands of Tokelau to completely produce solar power energy.

What is Tokelau's energy policy?

The primary focus of the policy is the desire of Tokelau to become self-reliant in energy through a combination of renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.

What is the Tokelau PV project?

The Government of Tokelau sees the PV Project as the first step and therefore trial towards the long-term goal of energy independence based on renewable energy. The project is implemented by the Government of Tokelau and funded jointly by Government of New Zealand, Government of France, UNESCO Apia and UNDP Samoa.

Does Tokelau still use diesel?

Tokelau was said to be the first country in the world to have gone 100% solar, in 2013. Diesel usage, previously needed for power generators, is said to have dropped by 90 percent. Some power generation using diesel remains necessary as backup and in prolonged cloudy spells.