The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Cook Islands led the opening of the Mauke solar power plant, which will provide improved access to sustainable energy services to the people and businesses of Mauke.
The Prime Minister of the Cook Islands, Mr. Henry Puna, led the ribbon cutting and the opening of the solar power plant, which will provide clean, reliable energy to about 240 people in the Pacific country.
The solar power plant in Mauke is the fourth to come online from the Cook Islands Renewable Energy Sector Project, which has been co-financed by ADB, the Government of Japan’s Pacific Environment Community Funds, the European Union, the Green Climate Fund, and the Global Environment Facility. Overall, the project will provide clean and affordable electricity to almost 1,500 people—or about 8% of the Cook Islands’ population.
“ADB is improving regional energy systems with a three-tiered approach that promotes energy efficiency and renewable energy, maximizes access to energy for all, and promotes energy sector reform, capacity building, and effective governance,” said ADB Senior Energy Specialist for the Pacific Ms. Cindy Tiangco at the event.
Other benefits of the project include increased electricity output from renewable energy sources, the introduction of a battery energy storage system and training provided for the operators, and the installation of smart meters-allowing consumers to use power they can afford.
In addition, streetlights will be installed and an awareness-raising campaign promoting energy efficiency will be launched and conducted over the next two years.
Original source: ADB
Published on 28 June 2019
