New Zealand's Tokelau islands to fetch 93% of power demand from solar PV by 2012

Sep 15, 2011 - The atolls of Tokelau in the South Pacific plan to source 93% of all the power they consume from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by mid-2012, NewScientist.com reported earlier this week, citing local official.

The islands, administered by New Zealand, have a population of about 1,500 people. At present, electricity in the region is produced from kerosene, gasoline and other fossil fuels, as well as natural gas, all transported from New Zealand.

As part of Tokelau's solar power plan, PV installations will supply electricity to the grid of each of the atolls. Batteries will store the extra power for use at night. When there is not enough sun or when power consumption exceeds supply, the islands will use coconut oil to produce power and recharge the batteries.

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