MPPS and ADB review renewable energy systems on Mitiaro and Mauke

27 October 2026 (CKT)

A few weeks ago, the MFEM Major Projects and Procurement Support (MPPS) team joined the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on a project completion review mission on the islands of Mitiaro and Mauke to assess the condition of renewable energy infrastructure installed under the Cook Islands Renewable Energy Sector Project (RESP) and help plan the next stage of investment.

The review found that the existing battery systems on both islands have deteriorated, with the situation on Mitiaro more significant. Due to the condition of its battery system, Mitiaro is currently relying largely on diesel generation. To conserve diesel fuel, electricity supply is restricted to two daily periods: 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 1:00 am.

The visit provided an opportunity to assess the existing infrastructure which were both commissioned in 2018 and consider options for improving the reliability and resilience of electricity supply on both islands. Importantly, it also gave the Mitiaro and Mauke communities the opportunity to share lessons learned, raise concerns directly, and discuss solutions tailored to the needs of their respective communities.

On Mitiaro, discussions highlighted the importance of capacity building and ongoing training and upskilling power station operators, including creating opportunities for local young people to develop the skills needed to operate and maintain the island’s power station systems in the future.

Mauke also raised similar concerns regarding the limitations of its existing electricity network and the need to ensure future investment responds to the island’s power needs.

The findings and recommendations from the review will help inform the next stage of renewable energy investment, including the proposed replacement of existing lead-acid battery systems with newer lithium-ion battery technology.

Why lithium-ion batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries offer several advantages over the existing lead-acid systems:

• Longer service life

• Greater usable energy storage

• Lower maintenance requirements

• More energy storage within a smaller physical footprint

The Cook Islands Renewable Energy Sector Project was approved in 2014 and delivered solar power systems on Mauke, Mitiaro, Mangaia, Atiu and Aitutaki, as well as battery storage on Rarotonga. The project was supported by the Government of the Cook Islands and development partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the European Union (EU), the Pacific Environment Community (PEC) Fund, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

Meitaki ma’ata to the Island Councils and communities of Mitiaro and Mauke for sharing their experiences, priorities and aspirations, and to ADB for its continued partnership in supporting a reliable and resilient renewable energy future for the Cook Islands.

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