COOK ISLANDS

1. Rakahanga Photovoltaic (PV) Mini-Grid Project

Project
Summary
PEC Fund Grant USD1,025,200
Government
including
Implementing
Agents inputs
Costs for required civil works for PV generating unit
Other Donor inputs USD45, 000 from SPREP/UNDP/GEF for required preparatory work.
In addition possible support will be provided from GoNZ.
Project Duration 2 years Start date 29 September 2011
End date April 2014
Implementing
Agency
Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD)
Project Location Rakahanga Island
Project Background
Currently major issues in the power sector in Rakahanga include:
very high electricity supply costs; electricity being a major cost for
the Rakahanga Island Administration; energy insecurity as a result of
old generation equipment; restricted hours of service; problems with
quality of power and reliability of power supply; limited technical
expertise, and risks associated with fuel handling.
Overall the current power supply is operationally unviable due to
below cost tariffs and as in most of the outer islands; operation is
only possible via budget support from the national government. To
provide reliable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly 24-
hours power supply on Rakahanga it is proposed that the current
diesel generator be replaced by a system consisting of an 80kW solar
PV generator, a large lead acid battery bank consisting of 18,000 Ah
at 48V, a controller and an inverter producing 240V power to be
distributed through the existing grid.
All residents on Rakahanga are beneficiaries of the project. This
includes households as well as institutions providing critical social
services such as the health clinic and the school. In addition the
commercial sector would benefit from reliable 24-hours power
supply.
STATUS Project currently being withdrawn to be replaced with new proposal.


PACIFIC ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY FUND COUNTRY PROFILES

2

2. Pukapuka and Nassau Renewable Energy (RE) Project
Project
Summary
PEC Fund Grant USD2,713,717.00
Government inputs
Implementing Agents personnel and machineries (excavator, front-
end loader, JCB, ditch-witch, bobcat, tractor, trailer, crane truck and
tip-truck); compensation for the lands needed for the array systems
and power stations; carry out civil works including land clearing;
hireage of freighters/barges when transporting project materials
from ship to land; free storage for Project materials; Value Added
Tax (VAT) exemptions; provide office space with electricity,
communications, internet access and amenity for the Programme
Coordinator (PC). The CIG will also form a Project Management
Committee (PMC) to oversee the Project.
Implementing
Agency inputs
The Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD) will provide full
administrative and project support for the PC and other Project
personnel; technical supports; and collaborate with other Project
stakeholders on Project issues that will lead to successful
completion.
Other Donor inputs
USD1,709,624 - PIGGAREP USD54,152; NZ AID PROGRAMME
USD1,655,472
Project Duration 18
months
Start date
End date
Implementing
Agency
Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD)
Project Location Pukapuka and Nassau Islands
Project Background
The DPP submitted by the Government of Cook Islands is the second.
The focus of the proposed project is on the Islands of Pukapuka and
Nassau where the only sources of electricity are either through Solar
Home Systems or through diesel generators.
As part of Cook Islands National Sustainable Development Strategy
and the Cook Islands Energy Charter, the DPP seeks to provide a
24hour supply of electricity for Pukapuka and Nassau through the
installation of solar PV mini-grid systems on each of the islands. It is
proposed that a solar PV system be installed of 206kW for Pukapuka
and 80kW for Nassau. Large lead acid battery bank consisting of
48,000 Ah at 48V for Pukapuka and 18,000 Ah at 48V for Nassau. A
controller and an inverter will be installed producing 240V power to
be distributed through the existing grid.
Together these installations will help attain the Projects goal of
minimizing or better eliminating the use of diesel fuel in electricity
generation, at the same time reducing the greenhouse gas emissions
PACIFIC ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY FUND COUNTRY PROFILES

3

(GHG) and promoting environmentally sustainable economic
development on these Islands.
Residence (Government, Island Community [all genders], local
business) of Pukapuka & Nassau Islands will be the primary
beneficiaries of the project.
STATUS Proposal being withdrawn and will be replaced by new one.

3. Manihiki Solar PV Mini Grid Systems
Project
Summary
PEC Fund Grant USD750,000
Government inputs Costs for required civil works for PV generating unit
Other Donor inputs USD55, 000 from PIGGAREP and balance of USD1,310,000 from other
development partners.
Project Duration 18
months
Start date
End date
Implementing
Agency
Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD)
Project Location Manihiki Island
Project Background A brief initial fact-finding and consultation mission was undertaken
and based on the preliminary consultation and information gathered
during the visit it is evident that alternative sources of energy should
be augmented for the island of Manihiki to assist addressing key
ongoing problems including energy insecurity and high cost.

Specifically it has been proposed to install PV mini-grids with battery
storage and with one diesel generator to the size required as a
backup.
STATUS Concept note withdrawn and to be replaced by new one.