COOK ISLANDS

1. Photovoltaic (PV) Mini-Grid Project

PEC Fund Grant USD1,025,200 Project Government Costs for required civil works for PV generating unit Summary including Implementing Agents inputs 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 Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD) Agency 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STATUS Project currently being withdrawn to be replaced with new proposal.

2. and Renewable Energy (RE) Project

PEC Fund Grant USD2,713,717.00 Project Government inputs Summary Implementing Agent’s 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 Start date months End date Implementing Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD) Agency Project Location Pukapuka and Nassau Islands

Project Background The DPP submitted by the Government of 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 Project’s 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 2

(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. Solar PV Mini Grid Systems

PEC Fund Grant USD750,000 Project Government inputs Costs for required civil works for PV generating unit Summary Other Donor inputs USD55, 000 from PIGGAREP and balance of USD1,310,000 from other development partners. Project Duration 18 Start date months End date Implementing Renewable Energy Development Division (REDD) Agency 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.

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