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Te Aponga Uira (TAU) has opened the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for Independent Power Producers (IPP) in Rarotonga, to increase the amount of renewable energy being produced on Rarotonga. It has updated the terms offered to IPPs, to make the financial business case more appealing and beneficial.
IPPs involve TAU buying solar energy produced at a set price, with technical tests making sure Rarotonga’s grid can safely handle the energy. TAU seeks Expressions of Interest for solar installations in the range of 20kW to 1200kW at a power purchase rate of 0.25c per unit and a contract term of 20 years (plus five years).
“TAU remains committed to increasing the amount of renewable energy we
provide to Rarotonga, and we look forward to working with our partners towards this vision,” said TAU Chief Executive Officer, Lesley Katoa. “Our renewable energy journey has been a steady and considered one, so we can be confident we are able to deliver the reliable energy our community has grown to expect.”
With TAU’s solar systems, batteries, and privately owned solar installations, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes:
- TAU is installing a new microgrid controller to automate diesel generation in sync with renewable generation. This ensures we maximise renewable energy when available and rely on diesel only when necessary.
- TAU is upgrading our old SCADA system to improve automated monitoring, control, and reporting for all power sources – new and old.
- This is in addition to our upgraded Switch Gear installed last year, infrastructure critical to delivering reliable electricity to the island.
“Every grid is unique and testing and understanding each component in our specific context takes time. Based on learnings from other small island utilities in the region, this is the right way to increase the amount of renewable energy, as we work towards achieving our vision of empowering the community through sustainable and innovative energy solutions,” Katoa said.
If you’re interested in exploring becoming an IPP, contact us on 20054 or by email at RE@electricity.co.ck.
For this IPP offering, TAU has launched an online ‘Expressions of Interest’ form starting from 25 June 2025. For those interested in participating, please go to the TAU website (www.teaponga.com), follow the link and complete the form.
The closing date for the submission of expressions of interest is 16 July 2025 at 4pm (CI time)
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