Scoop (New Zealand) reports that The Pacific Ocean island nation of the Cook Islands plans for 100% renewable energy by 2020 (2011): “The Cook Islands has an electricity target of 50% renewable energy by 2015 and 100% by 2020. While this may seem like an extreme target, according to the Prime Minister of the Cook Islands Hon. Henry Puna – “it is ambitious but it is not impossible.” Plans are already underway to bring this to fruition. The Cook Islands will be launching their Renewable Energy Chart this year – Te Atamoa O Te Uira Natura, the plan that outlines how they will achieve their renewable energy targets. This chart has undergone consultation with relevant stakeholders and has taken into account input from numerous supporting partners. It is now in the process of being finalised for endorsement…The Cook Islands will undertake this journey to 100% renewable energy reliant with support and assistance from partners. The Pacific Islands Greenhouse Gas Abatement through Renewable Energy Project (PIGGAREP) aims at helping 11 different island countries overcome the barriers to effectively using renewable energy technologies at the national level. The Cook Islands is a recipient of the benefits from PIGGAREP which is financed by the global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and executed by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).” [1].
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) Press Release, “Cook Islands: 100% Renewable Energy by 2020”, 5 July 2011: http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/WO1107/S00148/cook-islands-100-renewable-energy-by-2020.htm .