Groundbreaking ceremony commences for Renewable Energy Project Phase 2

This afternoon marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the Niue Renewable Energy Project Phase 2. This project aims to enable Niue to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable energy by December 2025.

This afternoon marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the Niue Renewable Energy Project Phase 2. This project aims to enable Niue to generate 80% of its electricity from renewable energy by December 2025.

Just over a month ago, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Christopher Luxon announced a substantial investment of $20.5 million into renewable energy initiatives in Niue. Today, the Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon. Winston Peters is here to break ground on what will become a cornerstone of Niue’s renewable energy infrastructure.

The new power station, funded through contributions from both Australia and New Zealand, is slated for completion and commissioning by mid-September. The initial phase of clearing the surrounding land will be completed by the end of this year, setting the stage for physical construction to commence in early 2025.

In 2015, Niue launched the Strategic Energy Roadmap, with the ambitious goal of reaching 80% renewable energy production by 2025. Despite various challenges along the way, the current renewable energy project is poised to realize this vision. As a small island nation, Niue faces significant impacts from climate change. Transitioning to clean energy will not only reduce dependency on fossil fuels but also enhance the resilience and reliability of Niue’s power network while significantly lowering operating costs.

The Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Crossley Tatui expressed deep gratitude for the efforts behind this project: "I must acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the staff of Niue Power Corporation, for keeping the lights on. Working with aging infrastructure, staff shortages, and limited resources, you have worked tirelessly, and often thanklessly, to keep the island’s power running. This is no small effort, and on behalf of the Government of Niue, we offer our sincere appreciation”.

Once again, I would like to thank the New Zealand Government, officials and representatives from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and all those who have had a hand in getting this project to the starting line. We look forward to the task ahead, and Niue’s future of clean, low-cost energy
said Minister Tatui.The Niue Renewable Energy Project Phase 2 represents a transformative step towards a sustainable and resilient future for Niue. This project underscores Niue’s commitment to combating climate change and promoting environmental stewardship, setting a powerful example for small island nations worldwide.