By Melina Etches, Cook Islands News
The solar power station on Palmerston Island. Photo: Cook Islands / Stella Neale
Palmerston Island is currently facing a critical power shortage due to the failure of its ageing diesel generator. The generator has long needed repairs beyond the capabilities of local administration staff.
The generator is no longer operational, leaving the community entirely dependent on solar power-an insufficient solution for the island's energy needs.
In response, residents are required to adopt strict power-saving measures to maintain a minimal electricity supply.
The isolated island has been running on intermittent solar power since 19 April due to the generator not putting out the correct voltage (240 volts).
Palmerston's Executive Officer (EO), Stella Neale says the solar energy system is shut down from 7pm - 7am to ensure that there is enough capacity in the battery banks to provide power supply to the island.
Homeowners have been asked to turn off all their freezers before 7am to minimise overloading the system when the power supply is switched back on.
A diesel generator is required to support the charge of solar batteries if there has not been enough sunlight hours or demand is greater than usual.
"We are at a point where we are unable to keep the generator running at all because of faulty parts," said Neale, "we have been waiting since last year in July/August."
Because of the isolation of the island - the only access is by sea; the huge issue is transportation.
Due to irregular shipping schedules and limited berth availability, the parts for the generator and a mechanic have not been able to reach Palmerston.
With limited berth, space available on the next scheduled shipping vessel MV Taunga Nui - the only vessel that ships from Rarotonga to Palmerston, the arrival of both the necessary technician and equipment remains uncertain.
Neale is hoping for a last-minute solution that would allow the mechanic to travel to Palmerston and restore the island's power infrastructure.
She said the generator supplements the solar energy when necessary.
Yesterday (Monday), Neale said so far they have had no problems with the intermittent power supply.
However, she is hopeful that this is only a short-term solution.
"In the meantime, we carry on resolutely with prayers for sunny days and the goodwill of those angels who can make miracles happen," she said.
Te Koutu Mana Tutara O Te Ipukarea Pa Enua Governance Officer at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), Mata Takioa says, the heavy machinery parts for the generator are at Avatiu wharf.
Most of the spare parts have been sourced from the mechanic's workshop, additional or specialised parts are procured from overseas suppliers as needed.
Takioa says these parts will be shipped on the next available vessel, MV Taunga Nui, on its scheduled voyage to Palmerston next month on May 21.
According to Takioa, at this stage, the passenger capacity on MV Taunga Nui has been fully allocated for its May voyage.
"As a result, the Pa Enua Mechanical Overseer (mechanic) does not have a confirmed booking on this trip, however, we will continue to hold in case a berth opens up," she said, also confirming that the parts required for the generator will be shipped on this voyage.
Installing the parts will require the support of the Island Administration staff with the mechanic providing remote assistance as needed, she added.
"OPM is actively exploring alternative options to deploy the mechanic to Palmerston as soon as practical while ensuring all relevant regulations are followed. In the meantime, we remain committed to supporting the people of Palmerston in every way possible," Takioa said.
Palmerston Island first received solar power on February 15, 2015, as part of the "Uira Natura O te Pae Tokerau" project. The new solar energy system officially became operational on February 21, 2015.
To maintain battery charge and ensure the system functions properly, daily use of a diesel generator is still required. The continuous power supply is essential, as the island's fishermen rely on freezers to store their catches before shipping them to Rarotonga.
The last ship left Palmerston on 3 March 2025.
