Muri Beach Resort, situated on the islet of Ta’akoka in the Cook Islands, is the first resort to be powered purely by the sun.
The resort’s move into green energy comes after the Cook Island government announced its long term move into renewable energy.
The resorts 101kW off-grid system consists of 18 SMA solar inverters and a large deep cycle battery bank.
The new SMA system is one of many steps the resort has taken to ensure a cleaner, greener future for the Islands residents and guests.
Muri Beach resort recycles sewerage through an aeration system; consequently the water can then be used on the resorts multitude of gardens.
The resort also has a variety of organic fruits, vegetables and herb gardens as well as a number of pigs which aid in dealing with food wastes.
Currently the Cook Islands source 98.9 per cent of its energy through fossil fuels and already the area is seeing the impact of climate change.
The Education and Awareness Coordinator for the Cook Islands National Environment Service, Devna Marsh says changes are already evident in the Pacific.
“If nothing is done now, we will lose our Islands, our traditions, our culture.
“Buildings and infrastructure on the foreshore will be lost or damaged, and both food security and the health of the people will be affected.”
The Cook Islands are situated 3,380km northeast of New Zealand and comprises 15 small islands with a total land area of 240 square kilometres.
