Mount Maunganui company PowerSmart Solar has won a national award for innovation in the clean-tech and sustainability sector for its work establishing Tokelau as the world's first solar powered country.

PowerSmart managing director Mike Bassett-Smith says it is a 'huge honour” to be recognised among other top companies at the New Zealand Innovators Awards for the Tokelau Renewable Energy Project that will be completed this month.

PowerSmart Solar's Mike Bassett-Smith credits his team for the Mount Maunganui company's innovation award. Photos supplied.

The project, which is the largest off-grid solar power system in the world, will replace the diesel electricity systems currently operating on each of Tokelau's three islands with solar power systems and battery storage.

'So much of the credit (for the award) has to go to our great team, who work tremendously hard. We're a positive and fast-paced bunch committed to world class results and we all should take the time to recognise what a great achievement the Tokelau Renewable Energy Project is.

'I can't speak highly enough of the great people who work for, and with us, and dedicate this award entirely to them.”

Mike says the company has been working towards the project since hearing about it three years ago and he is certain it will lead to many similar projects throughout Asia and the Pacific.

'Tokelau was a great opportunity for us to leverage our capabilities. It's a big boost for us in terms of this project and our core competencies.”

As the lead contractor PowerSmart has collaborated with IT Power Australia on the $7.5million project that is funded by the New Zealand Aid Programme and supported by the Government of Tokelau.

The project has been designed, engineered and project managed by the company. In total the project will install 4032 solar panels by the time it is completed to provide power for the 1411 residents. The system is linked to a diesel generator that will prolong battery life by boosting battery power when low from poor weather.