Pacific powerReader submitted

Tokelau, the New Zealand territory northwest of the Cook Islands, has become the first territory in the world that can produce on average 100% of its energy requirements using solar power. Through the Tokelau Renewable Energy Project, a project funded with New Zealand’s aid allocation to the territory, the three main Atolls of Tokolau; Atafu, Nukunonu and Fakaofo, have been installed with solar power mini-grids.

Previously, Tokelau relied on diesel to generate 100% of their energy requirements, a system that came at ‘heavy economic and environmental costs,’ according to Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully.

According to project co-ordinator and PowerSmart MD, Mike Basset-Smith, the project is a "milestone of huge importance" for Tokelau, and would free up money to spend on such things as social welfare.

The move towards 100% renewable and sustainable energy in Tokelau not only alleviates the larger cost of generating power with diesel, but the solar panels emit no pollutants, while diesel exhaust contains many of the worst green-house gas emissions. This switch to solar power greatly reduces Tokelau’s carbon footprint, with Tokelau officials estimating it will save 12,000 tones of CO₂ throughout the lifespan of the solar power grids.

Not only that, but to switch from using fossil fuels now means security against the rising price of diesel, and means they no longer rely on foreign oil for their power generation. At a UN conference in Durban last year, Foua Toloa, the former Ulu or leader of Tokelau, stated that climate change was of huge concern to Tokelau, stating that ‘will be among the first to go under water. Already we are suffering extreme weather, storm surges, droughts, coral-bleaching, inundation of land and groundwater salination.’

While their efforts to go 100% renewable energy will unfortunately not be enough reduce the effects of climate change in their own area, it sends a positive message that it 100% renewable energy is possible, and even the smallest players can take action.