Energy in the Cook Islands
The major islands of Rarotonga and Manihiki had 24-hour electricity, but the smaller islands would often turn their power off overnight.
Now with full-time power, the future has taken a new shape for Cook Islands' residents thanks to government renewable energy – leading to an improved quality of life, and increased economy activity. The improved livelihood in the communities that now have the benefit of reliable, 24hour power supply is immeasurable.
Cook Islands News Copyright © 2025, Radio New Zealand The isolated island has been running on intermittent solar power since 19 April due to the failure of its ageing diesel generator.
The Cook Islands is a net importer of energy, in the form of petroleum products. Total energy consumption was 1,677,278,000 BTU (1.77 TJ) in 2017, of which 811,000,000 (0.86 TJ) was in the form of oil. In 2012 47% of imported oil was used in the transport sector, 30% in aviation, and 27% for electricity generation.
The continuous power supply is essential, as the island's fishermen rely on freezers to store their catches before shipping them to Rarotonga. The last ship left Palmerston on 3 March 2025. - Cook Islands News Copyright © 2025, Radio New Zealand
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