A groundbreaking load management test conducted at Motu Beachfront Villas Resort on Thursday is a significant step towards developing an off-grid energy solution powered by green hydrogen.

The test, carried out by Cook Islands-based technology company ICTnexus, is part of a larger initiative supported by the German Chamber of Commerce and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUV).

It aims to reduce reliance on costly imported fossil fuels while enhancing energy sustainability for the Cook Islands.

The trial involved deploying a Janitza UMG103 power meter connected via LoRaWAN to the ICTnexus Smart Island LoRa Network.

This system collected detailed energy consumption data, which was analysed using Janitza’s GridVis Energy Management Software.

The results will inform the optimal sizing of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, battery storage, and hydrogen electrolysis units for the resort.

Motu Beachfront Villas Resort, known for its high-energy demands from air conditioning systems, water treatment, and guest services, was the first facility to undergo testing.

Further load assessments are planned for the Kent Community Hall and Titikaveka School, two key locations with varying energy consumption patterns.

Green hydrogen technology offers long-term energy storage and decentralised power generation—critical factors for remote island nations facing high electricity costs and fluctuating renewable energy availability.

By integrating solar PV, battery storage, and hydrogen production units into a mini-grid system, the project seeks to cut electricity costs by more than half while eliminating CO₂ emissions from diesel generators.

For Tim Meyer, manager of Motu Villas, sustainability is about more than just cutting costs—it is about staying relevant in the evolving tourism market.

"People will not miss out on luxury, comfort, and a beautiful holiday. But what they do want to know is where the hot water is coming from, how the electricity is being produced and delivered to the properties. And they do want to know and see that as a property, probably even as a destination, we are working towards a greener future."

He believes integrating green technology is key to attracting environmentally conscious travellers.

"I would argue that if we're still on diesel-generated power in 15 years, that our international visitors will opt for other island nations where they can go and have this guilt-free holiday."

Motu Villas has also taken steps to involve local students in the project, seeing it as a long-term investment in sustainable thinking.

"Why do we bring the students over? Simply because we do believe that without bringing the new generation and the new thinking into the project process, there is just no future. We need the young generation to buy into this."

Following the successful test, the project will advance to integrating the renewable energy system across Motu Resort, Titikaveka School, and Kent Community Hall.

This will include the installation of PV panels, battery storage, and hydrogen production units supplied by German partners.

The German Chamber of Commerce is spearheading the initiative, with BMUV providing funding and ICTnexus overseeing implementation.

Meyer acknowledged the crucial role played by John and Rose Dunn, owners of the property, and Iris Heinz, Head of DEinternational Projects & Services at the German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Inc., in supporting the initiative.