Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Tuvalu sets goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2020

Posted at 07:44 on 20 July, 2009 UTC

Tuvalu has set a goal of shifting to 100 percent renewable energy by 2020 in hope of setting an example to cut greenhouse gases it is blaming for rising sea levels.

Tuvalu, a string of coral atolls whose highest point is 4.5 metres above sea level, is aiming to end its dependence on diesel and switch to solar and wind power.

It estimates it would cost just over 20 million US dollars to generate power for its 12 thousand people.

Tuvalu and many other low-lying atolls in the Pacific, the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean fear that rising sea levels could wipe them off the map.

They want governments to agree a strong new U.N deal in Copenhagen in December to slow climate change.

The Minister of Public Utilities and Industries Kausea Natamo told Pacnews he is looking forward to the day the country is powered entirely by natural resources, upon setting the target at the year 2020.