Alofi, Niue – 8 July 2025
The Government of Niue and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Multi-Country Office for Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, convened the Niue National Energy Summit 2025 on 7–8 July at the Matavai Resort, bringing together government leaders, regional partners, community representatives, and development experts to shape Niue’s sustainable energy transformation.

The Summit marks Niue’s first national energy dialogue of this scale in nearly a decade, following the launch of the Niue Strategic Energy Roadmap (NiSERM) in 2015. Over two days, participants reflected on achievements to date and laid the foundation for a new Energy Roadmap to 2035 that will advance Niue’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement while promoting resilience and inclusive growth.

In his keynote address, Hon. Dalton Tagelagi, Prime Minister of Niue, underscored the importance of collective action to secure Niue’s energy future:

“This week will be the starting point for the development of a vision and an energy plan that will obligate us for the next 10 years and be the foundation for our ongoing economic prosperity and wellbeing beyond 2035.”

He acknowledged the significant progress achieved, including the commissioning of Niue’s new power station, the installation of solar generation and battery storage systems that have already brought renewable penetration to 38%, and the next phase of investments to reach 80% renewable energy by early 2026:

“The new generation will result in an annual reduction of up to 753,000 litres of diesel and remove over 52,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions over the 25-year asset life. The network upgrades will reduce the frequency and duration of the power outages which impact all communities within Niue.”

“We have achieved significant milestones, but we need to keep going, innovate, and be proactive.”

Ms. Aliona Niculita, UNDP Resident Representative for Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, praised Niue’s leadership and highlighted the importance of leadership, resilience and inclusion:

“Niue holds a unique place among Pacific nations—not only for its achievements, but for its unwavering commitment to partnership and progress.”

Recognizing that significant advancements have been made through innovative design and implementation across the Pacific nations, she further emphasized that: 

“Whether pioneering innovative models for solar generation, championing marine protection, or integrating climate priorities into national development, Niue shows that leadership is not measured by size, but by determination and the courage to set ambitious goals.”

With specific reference to the energy ecosystem in Niue, Ms. Niculita stressed that:

“In Niue, energy is not only about electricity—it is about safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the face of cyclones and rising seas. It is about reducing dependence on imported diesel, stabilizing national budgets, and reinvesting savings into health, education, and community wellbeing.”

During the Summit, discussions covered institutional strengthening, energy policy, regulatory readiness, innovative financing, and community engagement. Participants highlighted the importance of digital tools such as the new Niue Energy Information Platform, and showcased progress across demonstration projects—including new transformers to improve grid stability, pilot solar water pumps supporting community agriculture, LED streetlighting, and Niue’s first electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

Following the Summit, two additional days of training and capacity-building workshops will equip stakeholders with practical skills to deliver on the next phase of Niue’s energy roadmap. These sessions focus on energy audit systems, renewable energy technologies, financing models, and inclusive transition strategies.

UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to walk alongside Niue as a trusted partner:

“Over these two days, I invite all of us to look for the practical commitments—big or small—that will turn this vision into reality,” Ms. Niculita said. “Together, we can build an energy future that delivers lasting impact for every community.”

About UNDP in Niue

UNDP has partnered with the Government of Niue for decades to advance sustainable development, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. Through the AREAN Project and other initiatives, UNDP supports Niue to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, strengthen institutional capacity, and build a foundation for a green economy.

Event Details:
Dates: 7–8 July 2025 (Summit), followed by training and Capacity Building Workshops on 9–10 July
Venue: Matavai Resort, Alofi, Niue

Media Contact:
Laufālē’ainā Lesā, Communications Analyst, UNDP Multi Country Office, Samoa | Tel. +685 23670 | 
E: laufaleaina.lesa@undp.org | www.ws.undp.org