Project Exploration Trip in December 2025
As part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative sponsored by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), the GNZCC is organising a Project Exploration Trip to the Cook Islands from 1 to 5 December 2025. The trip is themed “Driving Renewable Energy and Sustainable Infrastructure Development – Focus Area: Energy Infrastructure and E-Mobility” and targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Germany.
During this trip, the participating German companies will meet with stakeholders in the Cook Islands who are implementing renewable energy projects and are actively seeking German technologies and expertise.
With this particular project as part of the German Energy Solutions Initiative, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy aims to support German SMEs in entering the Cook Islands and the broader Pacific region.
The Objective
The Cook Islands have set themselves ambitious targets: to significantly reduce their dependence on imported fossil fuels and to move towards a sustainable, renewable energy future. The government has already initiated important measures, such as the rollout of photovoltaic systems. The political will is evident – and the population is equally committed to driving forward a greener, more resilient future.
However, despite this progress, significant gaps remain. Core areas such as sustainable infrastructure, reliable energy systems, and e-mobility are still underdeveloped. Green tourism, a major economic driver for the islands, also plays a key role in their transition toward sustainability.
This is where German companies can make a decisive contribution. With decades of experience, cutting-edge technologies, and proven engineering expertise, German SMEs are well-positioned to offer practical, turnkey solutions. Whether through the development of resilient off-grid energy systems, building sustainable infrastructure, or deploying e-mobility solutions – the opportunities for cooperation are numerous and offer high potential for both sustainable development and long-term business partnerships.
This Project Exploration Trip provides an ideal platform to connect German SMEs with businesses, institutions, and authorities in the Cook Islands and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Preliminary Programme
(Subject to change as planning progresses)
Information Webinar | 2 September 2025 | Online
This virtual briefing session will present the project and local market conditions to participating German SMEs. It will provide detailed insights into market entry opportunities in the Cook Islands and highlight specific renewable energy projects where German technologies and expertise are in demand.
On-site Briefing, Site Visits, Executive Roundtables, B2B Meetings | 1–5 December 2025 | Rarotonga, Aitutaki
The trip will begin with an in-person briefing session, introducing participants to relevant projects and local institutions. This will be followed by site visits on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Executive roundtables with key stakeholders from government and the private sector will provide valuable networking opportunities. During targeted B2B and cooperation meetings, participants will explore options to offer turnkey solutions through potential consortium-building.
Who Can Participate?
German SMEs offering products and solutions in the fields of sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and e-mobility – including but not limited to PV systems, PV-coupled storage systems, vehicle-to-grid technologies, grid-balancing software, electric motors for marine applications, EV charging infrastructure, load management systems, e-bikes, hydrogen technologies, efficient air-conditioning systems, hybrid inverters, and more.
Local stakeholders in the Cook Islands – including organisations, businesses, resort owners, or government agencies – who are planning or implementing renewable energy projects and are looking to collaborate with German technology providers and experts.
This Project Exploration Trip is organised by GNZCC in cooperation with German partner RENAC AG and is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy under the German Energy Solutions Initiative.