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First Nation to be 100% Solar


Tokelau, a remote group of atolls in the Pacific, one of the world's most remote countries, have switched their power supply to 100% solar energy thus becoming the first nation in the world to be free of CO2 emissions and having the most sustainable power generation on earth.
The island nation consists of three small atolls in the South Pacific Ocean, north of Samoa, and can only be reached by boat. For a long time, the islanders relied almost exclusively on diesel generators to meet their electricity needs. This was expensive and accounted for the most of pollution in the area. The electricity supply was far from reliable, with intermittent blackouts. However, 2012 Tokelau became the first country in the world with an energy supply based fully on photovoltaics. At one megawatt of power, the entire facility is the largest inverter dominated solar off-grid system in the world. The plants generate more energy than the 1,411 inhabitants of Tokelau need.

The irony of their story is that they, who gave an example to the world in the reduction of greenhouse gases, are themselves suffering most from climate change.

The documentary shows how the islanders were able to break their reliance on diesel generators, implement a new energy source, how it has changed their lives and what other challenges apart from climate change, they are facing.

Story Information:

Country: Tokelau

Topic: Climate Change (General)

Photo or video credit: SMA

Text Credit: Shane

Date : 19 July 2023

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