solar power

Sunshine powers Tonga hospital

Principal energy officer Kipola So'otanga said the hospital had previously been powered by a generator which only gave it power for six hours each day.

King Tupou VI commissioned the new system for when he visited the island for its Agricultural Show last week.

Equipment such as electric fans, refrigerators, lights and others can operate through the system, Mr So'otanga said.

A team from the Energy Department was also replacing existing solar home lighting in 122 households in Niuafo'ou, with the new units having a lifespan of 10 years.

IFC encourages adoption of solar power in Pacific

The Pacific has some of the most expensive electricity prices in the world with much of its energy coming from diesel.

The IFC and the Australian-based company, Smart Commercial Solar, will launch its project by offering a free energy report to Pacific businesses calculating how much they can save if they switch to solar.

The IFC's spokesperson, Subrata Barman, said it's time for Pacific nations to look at moving away from traditional models of power supply.

TV from the sun: 'Now I am connected to the whole world'

But what's extraordinary is that his house, where he lives with his wife and two children in Mwea, central Kenya, has no access to mains electricity.

Instead, the power for Mr Gikonyo's new TV service comes directly from the sun. He is one of the early adopters of AzuriTV - a new solar-powered satellite TV service that gives his family access to 50 channels.

He says the system is already making his life easier, and has opened new doors for his farming business.

Solar Power saves mother during childbirth in SHP

The centre is run by the Evangelical Church of PNG and has been providing health services to the people of the area for many years.

But recently it required some urgent repairs. Repairs were made by the Oil Search Foundation to restore adequate water supply to the centre and provide lighting to maternity rooms to facilitate clean, safe and secure deliveries.