Government-owned rooftops across Rarotonga could play an increasing role in generating renewable energy under a new partnership between the Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) and Sunergise.
CIIC and Sunergise have formalised a rooftop licence agreement that provides a framework for the progressive installation of solar generation systems on suitable Crown-owned buildings, subject to the necessary site assessments, consultations and implementation arrangements.
The initiative aims to make productive use of existing Crown assets to generate renewable electricity, while supporting the Cook Islands’ wider renewable energy and sustainability objectives.
The partnership also presents opportunities to generate additional revenue from Crown property assets, which could be directed towards the maintenance, renewal and improvement of public infrastructure.
CIIC Chief Executive Allan Jensen said the partnership demonstrated how existing Crown assets could deliver wider benefits for the community.
“This partnership is about making better use of assets the Cook Islands already owns.
“By using suitable Government rooftops to generate renewable energy, we can support our national sustainability objectives while creating opportunities for additional investment in public infrastructure.
“It is a practical example of Crown assets working harder for our community and for future generations.”
The initial focus will be on identifying suitable buildings and confirming the technical, operational and other requirements necessary for solar installations.
Any installations at individual sites will be subject to appropriate consultation, approvals and implementation arrangements with the relevant parties.
Mr Jensen said the initiative brought together renewable energy generation, energy conservation and better utilisation of Crown assets within a long-term approach to infrastructure management.
“There is a really simple story behind this. We have rooftops that can do more than keep the rain out. They can help generate renewable energy, and the returns we receive from doing that can be reinvested for the benefit of our community.”
The partnership also provides opportunities to explore educational initiatives that could help young people better understand solar generation, renewable energy and sustainability.
Discussions with Sunergise have included the potential for educational activities alongside solar installations, drawing on the company’s experience supporting STEM-related programmes elsewhere in the Pacific. Any such initiatives would be developed in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
Sunergise Managing Director Paul Makumbe said the partnership was a model other Pacific nations could learn from.
“CIIC has taken assets that already exist and found a way for them to deliver clean energy and lasting value for the community at the same time. That is the kind of thinking the Pacific energy transition needs.
“Having delivered more than 200 large-scale solar projects across New Zealand and the Pacific, we know how much renewable energy matters to island communities. What makes this programme different is that the benefits reach beyond energy cost savings to an investment in the education of the next generation.”
Safety, operational requirements and minimising disruption to building occupants and Government services will be key considerations as individual projects are assessed and progressed.
CIIC said the initiative reflects its wider approach to managing Crown property assets professionally, efficiently and sustainably, while exploring opportunities for those assets to generate broader economic, environmental and community value.