On the ground Report
Fossil Fuels - A Double-Edged Sword?
by: Imogen P. Ingram, Te Pa Mataiapo of Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Fossil fuels used in transport and industry produce greenhouse gases that cause climate change. Pacific island economies, like all economies are heavily reliant on fossil fuels. At the same time, vulnerable Pacific economies are finding it increasingly difficult to afford rising fuel prices. An article posted on the SIDSNET Small Island Voice Forum by Ms. Imogen Ingram, of the Cook Islands shows how people on the island of Pukapuka in the northern Cook Islands chose diesel hybrid generators over solar power, because of short term advantages that the diesel system had over the solar system.
“During February 2005, Hurricane Percy damaged a successful solarisation project on Pukapuka Atoll, in the northern Cook Islands.
The installation of the project was carried out for 127 households in 1992, and in 2004 a UNDP/UNESCO funded report (see reference below) summarised the views of the islanders on solar energy. Only 5% thought there was not enough power available, and 1% felt that they were unable to use the appliances they wanted to use. 69% thought that NZ$35 per month was a reasonable charge for lighting and a refrigerator.
The UNDP/UNESCO funded report outlined the following options for Pukapuka:
- Convert to diesel power generation, the capital cost of this conversion being NZD757, 600.
- The establishment of a photovoltaic mini-grid at the cost of NZD2.7m, providing 24-hour power services.
- The installation of one-size photovoltaic systems for individual households, enabling the operation of freezers, lights, washers and video, at a cost of NZD3.3m. this was the simplest option but would result in some over-capacity.
- The installation of photovoltaic systems that met the needs of individual households, at no over-capacity. No cost estimates were provided for this option.
Monthly charges to households for the fourth option was proposed at NZD140, while the first option (diesel power) would cost households NZD445 per month.
Despite the solar option being much cheaper than the diesel option (a quarter cheaper), the report recommendations, and warnings by Ministry of Energy officials of high oil prices, Pukapuka residents want a hybrid diesel system. It is hard to believe their choice, despite being made aware of the long-term consequences of these choices.”
Reference: Pukapuka Draft Power Recommendation Report prepared by Herbert Wade and Bruce Clay entitled "Increase the Utilisation of Renewable Energy" as part of the UNDP/UNESCO Technical Assistance Project #CKI/03/09 UNESCO, Apia, Samoa.