Running on Sunshine

Tokelau has become the first country to have all its electricity needs met through renewable energy sources. The pacific nation — which is administered by the New Zealand government – was running an archaic energy system that was both expensive and unsustainable to meet the electricity needs of its 1,500 residents. The New Zealand government invested $7 million to develop an eco-friendly energy system for Tokelau, harnessing the island’s solar energy to help residents shed their reliance on diesel generators. As a country created from a chain of atolls, Tokelau is particularly conscious of the harmful effects climate change. “Our commitment as global citizens is to make a positive contribution towards the mitigation of the impacts of climate change,” explains Jovilsi Suveinakama, general manager of the National Public Service of the Government of Tokelau.