Cook Islands Energy Storage Project Progress

What is the future of power in the Cook Islands?

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.

How much energy does the Cook Islands use?

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.

What does the GCF grant mean for the Cook Islands?

The GCF is providing a $12-million grant to co-finance the project, which is part of the seven-year Pacific Islands Renewable Investment Program covering the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga. The grant will fund assistance to the Cook Islands in procuring and installing battery storage.

Who is financing a solar energy project in the Solomon Islands?

The Asian Development Bank, Saudi Fund for Development, and Solomon Power are all financing the project. A project is now underway on the Solomon Islands to help the country accelerate its renewable energy generation.

What percentage of the Solomon Islands' electricity mix is renewable?

Renewable energy only makes up 2% of the Solomon Islands' electricity mix. Image: Namkoo Solar. A group of investment firms led by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has partnered with the government of the Solomon Islands to finance new solar PV power plants, increase rooftop solar PV installations and support the islands' power sector reforms.

Can a solar PV system boost economic growth in the Solomon Islands?

A pilot business model for rooftop solar PV systems will also be trialled at two schools in the country. Shane Rosenthal, ADB's Pacific liaison and coordination office regional director, believes that upscaling renewable energy generation in the Solomon Islands could help unlock economic growth and prosperity.

How is the Solomon Islands project funded?

The project is being funded by a $10 million concessional loan and a $5 million grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), while the Saudi Fund for Development and state-owned Solomon Power are providing $10 million each. The government of the Solomon Islands is providing $7 million.

How many kilowatts of solar will be installed at Solomon power office?

Roof top solar – 220kilowatts at Solomon Power office. This will be commissioned toward end of November end this year. Planned Projects: Plans to acquire land with SDA mission on their land close to SP Lungga Station.

What is the legal framework for environmental and social safeguards in Solomon Islands?

Solomon Islands Legal Framework for Environment and Social Safeguards The Constitution of Solomon Islands recognizes customary rights to ancestral land of the Indigenous population. About 83%4 of land in the country is under customary tenure, with the remainder considered “alienated”.

Are energy storage boom times extending to Africa?

Boom times for energy storage have extended to the continent of Africa, with a 10-fold increase in installed storage supporting grids and renewable energy penetration.

How many storage projects are under development in Africa?

In total, AFSIA says around 18GWh of storage projects are under development across Africa. Tristan is an Electrical Engineer with experience in consulting and public sector works in plant procurement. He has previously been Managing Editor and Founding Editor of tech and other publications in Australia.

What is Africa's solar outlook for 2025?

The Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) has published its Africa Solar Outlook for 2025, detailing remarkable growth in energy storage, with 2024 registering a 1,045% increase over 2023. AFSIA recorded annual capacity stalled at just around 50 MWh until 2022, which tripled in 2023 to over 150 MWh.

How has energy storage changed in 2022?

This has resulted in an increase in energy storage levels in recent years. In 2022, the continent had around 50MWh of energy storage capacity installed. Since then, energy storage capacity tripled in 2023 and then experienced another 10-fold increase in 2024. Image: AFSIA Solar.

What are the most popular solar-plus-storage developments in Africa?

As noted by AFSIA Solar, one of the most notable solar-plus-storage developments in Africa is Norway-based independent power producer (IPP) Scatec's 225MW/1,140MWh Kenhardt project in South Africa. The site started operation in late 2023 (pictured above).

Does Scatec have a solar-plus-storage site in South Africa?

Scatec's Kenhardt solar-plus-storage site in South Africa (above), which went online at the end of 2023. Image: Scatec. Africa's energy storage market has seen a boom since 2017, having risen from just 31MWh to 1,600MWh in 2024, according to trade body AFSIA Solar's latest report.

Is Aboitiz Power Building a hybrid battery energy storage system in Cebu?

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz Power Corp. is building a 30-megawatt hybrid battery energy storage system (BESS) project within the Mactan Economic Zone in Cebu. Slated for commissioning in the first half of 2026, the project is poised to become one of the first large-scale energy storage systems in Central Visayas.

Will Aboitiz Power build a hybrid battery energy storage system in Mactan?

Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower), through its subsidiary East Asia Utilities Corporation (EAUC), is set to construct a 30-megawatt (MW) hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) within the Mactan Economic Zone, reinforcing efforts to improve grid reliability in the Visayas region.

What is a hybrid energy storage system in Central Visayas?

Considered one of the first large-scale energy storage systems in Central Visayas, the hybrid BESS will provide ancillary services by storing surplus electricity and releasing it to the grid when needed to help stabilize power supply.

Will EAUC be the first large-scale energy storage system in Central Visayas?

Slated for commissioning in the first half of 2026, the project is poised to become one of the first large-scale energy storage systems in Central Visayas. It will be developed through East Asia Utilities Corp. (EAUC), a wholly owned subsidiary of AboitizPower. Financial details have yet to be disclosed.

Where is EAUC located in Cebu?

The East Asia Utilities Corporation (EAUC) facility at the Mactan Economic Zone in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. This site is set to host a hybrid Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), poised to help deliver more stable power to the Visayas grid.

When will the Visayas energy project start?

The project broke ground on Thursday, July 17, and is scheduled for commissioning by the first half of 2026. It is expected to enhance energy reliability in the Visayas grid and support the region's continued economic expansion.