Australia urged to act as South Pacific goes solar

The Kingdom of Tonga and the New Zealand territory of Tokelau are going solar - reducing not only their carbon footprints, but also their multi-million dollar diesel bills.

Their switch to solar is part of a global trend, which Australian industry leaders say offers lucrative opportunities for those quick enough - and smart enough - to act.

With $7 million in New Zealand aid money - together with Kiwi and Australian expertise - Tokelauans are building a solar power plant on each of their three coral atolls.

Fakaofo atoll has just flicked the switch on its solar plant, and the other two are scheduled to be up and running by year's end.

"Probably by the end of the year we will...

Continue reading (+video)