We have meetings this week with the Cook Islands Olympic Committee (CISNOC), as well as several Government officials.
While the meetings are more policy focused, discussions in the lead up have focused on the prohibited costs of travel and fuel on island. And, more to the point, the impact on accessibility and human rights.
The conversations have not been all negative, as the high price is creating new industries, ideas and possibilities - real and tangible local economic opportunities.
First, the bad and the ugly when it comes to fuel in Cook Islands
The Cook Islands relies heavily on imported fossil fuels to meet its energy and transport needs.
Fuels include diesel and petrol, which power vehicles, electricity generation, and machinery across the islands.
The current reliance on fossil fuels is expensive due to shipping costs, dependency risks, and environmental impacts, including greenhouse gas emissions that of course contribute to climate change.
Currently costs are close to $3.00 for diesel and petrol prices are up around $3.50 (New Zealand dollars).
This becomes a significant barrier when we consider the minimum wage in Cook Islands is only $9.50 NZD an hour. And while the islands are small, any costs will impact travel and accessibility to work, sport and social activities.
What are four key alternatives
There are four options currently being considered on Island. These are set to change dependency on imported fuels.
Solar Energy
The Cook Islands has significant sunshine (average is six hours a day), making solar energy a practical and sustainable alternative.
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Current Use: Some islands, such as Aitutaki and Rarotonga, already use solar farms to generate electricity, reducing reliance on diesel-powered generators.
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Future Opportunities: Expand investment in photovoltaic systems to power homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.
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Transport Applications: Solar-powered charging stations can support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), gradually reducing petrol and diesel consumption.
Biofuels
Biofuels derived from organic material offer significant potential:
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Coconut Biodiesel: Coconut oil, abundant in the Cook Islands, can be processed into biodiesel. This could power boats, machinery, and even generators, reducing reliance on imported fuels.
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Algae-Based Biofuel: Research into algae cultivation could provide a new source of clean fuel, suitable for island-based production.
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Food Waste Conversion: Explore technologies to convert agricultural waste or household organic waste into biogas for cooking and energy purposes.
Wind Power
Although less predictable than solar energy, wind power could complement renewable energy systems.
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Small-Scale Wind Turbines: Suitable for remote islands where consistent winds occur, providing localised electricity generation.
Ocean Energy
The Cook Islands can explore marine-based renewable energy solutions:
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Wave Energy: Technologies that harness wave movements to generate electricity could provide sustainable power for the islands.
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Tidal Energy: Coastal tidal flow systems are another emerging option for renewable power generation.
Key options moving forward
While all of the above is relevant to Cook Islands itself, one of the best things that can be undertaken is regional collaboration.
Collaboration can include sustainable fuel research with neighbouring Pacific nations, sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources.
The outcome is being able to do more with less:
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Example: Partnering with countries like Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga to explore regional biofuel production or renewable energy research.
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Funding: Seek international funding and support from organisations such as the Green Climate Fund and governments committed to aiding small island nations.
Key challenges to consider moving forward
While transitioning to sustainable fuels offers clear benefits, the Cook Islands must tackle challenges, including:
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Cost and Initial Investment: Renewable energy technologies often require significant upfront funding. Partnering with donors or obtaining grants can help overcome this barrier.
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Infrastructure: Establishing facilities for biofuel production, EV charging stations, and renewable energy farms will take time and planning.
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Technological Expertise: Training programmes will be needed to ensure local workers can manage and maintain renewable technologies.
Bringing it all together
While CISNOC doesn't have direct oversight or input into fuels on Cook Islands, as a member of the Olympics Family they have an increased agenda for sustainability and reducing climate change impacts.
In addition, they are also linked to relevant Human Rights charters, meaning accessibility for all is key.
With these requirements, what CISNOC can do, is help be a part of any grant or funding applications that help with alternative fuels for Cook Islands, and work with relevant Government departments both in Cook Islands, and in the pacific region.
Til next time,
Andrew
p.s. In other news, on a recent trip to Cooks my wife was able to see the last remaining horse on Cook Islands. While our sport has replaced horse riding with Ninja, we are still passionate about horses and riding.
Horses were used for transportation and plowing fields in the 1800s in Cooks. This was then replaced by horse racing and also riding trekking. We are not a huge fan of horse racing, but we accept its part in history:)
Sadly two years ago the three remaining horses (all mares) went to two. The last horse has also recently passed on.
It truly ends an amazing era of horses living in Cooks. Some photos below from a recent trip.
Transit Trends · Andrew Collings, KA Advisory. Read and comment on the original on LinkedIn.
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