Rotuma's Energy Problems

It was  interesting to read about the problems with the electrical supply on Rotuma. Possibly one solution is to create a wind farm such as is being done here where I live. I realize it is a significant investment; however, once installed you have a never ending source of clean, non-polluting power. The windmills are a proven technology and are being used extensively in Europe and North America. Coupled to a solar power backup system it might well allow a full electrical service to all of Rotuma. It would be interesting to do a study on this possibility for Rotuma and if it was indeed feasible, then to approach international funding agencies to get it built. My son-in-law and daughter-in-law are from Rotuma, thus my interest. Should anyone want more information please contact me at sid@escape.ca 

Sid Gordon, Canada
Submitted 8 December 2004

---

The author of the above article, who has a special bond with Rotuma, has done well to highlight an alternative to the enduring " Rotuma's Energy Problems." True, windmills are an alternative natural resource and so is solar power (mentioned above), which I mentioned in my document about electrifying Rotuma on 24 July 2004. However, recently here in Australia, a group of Melbourne farmers and property owners complained to the media about the windmills because of the noise they made and the effect they had on the value of their of their properties. They are taking legal action against the owners of the windmill farm.Though I am well aware of the extensive use of windmills in Europe (especially Holland) and North America, I have to agree with the above writer that there needs to be a study regarding this possibility.

With this in mind and with what I said on 24 July 04, that "....Rotuma is blessed with an abundance of sun," I believe that solar power is the way to go, but the choice is to be made by the individuals and the community.

The current factor underlying Rotuma's energy problem is transport, and this needs to be discussed by Council, our folks in Rotuma and Fiji, our Senator, and MP, so that a submission can be made to the Fiji Government. I just got back from Fiji and have read of the Fiji Government’s call for tenders from the various shipping companies to operate certain routes, including to and from Rotuma. Given past experience, I have reservations but hopefully when this is in operation it will help to address the island’s energy problems.

Having said all this, I believe that the only way for Rotuma to address the above problem is to have its own ship, which I will discuss in a future submission.

Henry Enasio
Sydney Australia
Submitted 20 December 2004

--o0o--