Rarotonga switches on to ‘Te Mana o Te Ra’

The Cook Islands is set to loosen some of its dependency on fossil fuels. Prime Minister Henry Puna and New Zealand High Commissioner hits the switch on the ‘Te Mana o Te Ra’ solar project today. During an opening ceremony dignitaries are expected to gather together at the airport to mark the completion of the renewable energy project. Officials say it has the potential to provide nearly one megawatt in capacity – roughly five per cent of Rarotonga’s electricity needs. Consisting of over 3000 solar panels, the installation will be operated by Te Aponga Uira staff (pictured here during a training session last week). Te Mana o Te Ra (Power from the Sun) is funded by New Zealand under the European Union / New Zealand Energy Access Partnership.

The Cook Islands is set to loosen some of its dependency on fossil fuels. Prime Minister Henry Puna and New Zealand High Commissioner hits the switch on the ‘Te Mana o Te Ra’ solar project today. During an opening ceremony dignitaries are expected to gather together at the airport to mark the completion of the renewable energy project. Officials say it has the potential to provide nearly one megawatt in capacity – roughly five per cent of Rarotonga’s electricity needs. Consisting of over 3000 solar panels, the installation will be operated by Te Aponga Uira staff (pictured here during a training session last week). Te Mana o Te Ra (Power from the Sun) is funded by New Zealand under the European Union / New Zealand Energy Access Partnership.