The next step in our project “Green Future: Solar and Hydrogen Energy for Rarotonga” has been achieved: In mid-September, the weather station delivered from Germany (model WSC11 Weather Station Compact by Thies Clima) was installed on the roof of Titikaveka College. The data from this weather station will be used to determine the optimal size of the planned solar and hydrogen system, which will provide Titikaveka College, Kent Community Hall, and MOTU Resort with their own sustainable and off-grid power supply.
This weather station provides important information, including wind direction and speed, brightness, global radiation, precipitation status, temperature, absolute and relative humidity, absolute air pressure, brightness, sun position, and elevation. These data will be collected over several months and then extrapolated to provide a comprehensive picture of the annual cycle. With the smart meters installed at the three sites to measure actual electricity consumption, combined with the data from the weather station, a reliable model of the required system – solar energy, battery storage, and green hydrogen – can be developed.
Project Background
The project “Green Future: Solar and Hydrogen Energy for Rarotonga, Cook Islands” is part of the Environmental Export Initiative of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN). The aim is to support the Cook Islands in their transition to renewable energy while contributing to global climate protection. The Cook Islands are currently highly dependent on imported fossil fuels, resulting in high energy costs and increased vulnerability to price fluctuations. By using innovative technologies such as photovoltaics and green hydrogen, a sustainable and resilient energy supply is to be established.
A key element of the project is close cooperation with local partners. Three key sites have been selected as demonstration platforms:
- Titikaveka College – In addition to the weather station, knowledge transfer is also promoted here. Students and teachers are actively involved in the project to develop a deeper understanding of renewable energies.
- Kent Community Hall – As a meeting place for the local population, the hall plays an important role in disseminating information and conducting workshops.
- Motu Beachfront Art Villas – The resort serves as an example of integrating sustainable energy supply in the tourism sector and demonstrates how private facilities can also benefit from the technology.
By installing smart meters at these locations, detailed energy consumption data is collected, which feeds into the feasibility study and the development of a model project plan. Workshops and training sessions promote knowledge transfer and strengthen the local community. In this way, a long-term, sustainable network for future energy projects is being created on Rarotonga and beyond.
