AHK New Zealand 2 / Cook Islands

The initial situation

The Cook Islands depend heavily on fossil fuels, which results in high energy costs and extensive environmental pollution. This dependency also renders the islands susceptible to price fluctuations and supply bottlenecks. The region is severely affected by the impacts of climate change.

At the same time, the local government's positive approach regarding sustainable projects creates enormous potential for launching innovative technology and engaging in sustainable environmental protection. 

The approach

The project was intended to open a new chapter in environmental protection and the supply of sustainable energy for the Cook Islands. It was based on the work of the EXI predecessor project “Green hydrogen (focused on decentralised and off-grid power generation) for hotels and other tourist destinations in the Pacific Islands”. Due to the results and recommendations identified in the report, the follow-on project was concentrating on the implementation of detailed data acquisition and analysis on the Cook Islands.

However, not only technical solutions were the focus of attention. The project aimed to give the Cook Islands the opportunity to assume a leading role in environmental protection in the region. Environmental protection was promoted in the long term by actively involving the population and the younger generation in particular, while also strengthening the social and economic resilience of the islands.

The objectives and measures

The project aimed to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels and cut CO₂ emissions at the same time. Solar energy, battery storage as well as hydrogen and fuel cell technology were combined to this end. A model project put this to the test at the Motu Beachfront Villa Resort with the involvement of local community facilities.

The first two phases examined how decentralised solar and hydrogen solutions can contribute to energy storage. The aim here was to demonstrate how this innovative technology can promote environmental protection, advance energy transition and replace fossil fuels. 

One important aspect was the cooperation with Motu Villas Resort. The resort, a school and a community centre were supplied with the green electricity generated by photovoltaic systems and stored hydrogen, and were actively involved in its production. Young people in particular will benefit: Students from the local college take part in workshops to learn more about renewable energies and contribute to environmental protection themselves.

The third phase concentrated on expanding the project as a model for similar initiatives in the Pacific region. The Cook Islands could therefore assume a pioneering role in the use of renewable energies. At the same time, the environmental awareness of the population was strengthened to ensure the acceptance and success of sustainable solutions. In addition to this, the project opens up opportunities for German companies seeking to enter this market.