Fortunata is powered by a mixture of Solar, Wind and Wave Generation. Only the hospital has backup diesel generators.

 

Wave generated energy is the primary method used throughout the island group. In fact this system is actually Deep Current generation, as the generators are located near the sea floor. These ‘sails’ are simply tossed by the currents – each movement generating electricity which is then passed to the grid. The power infrastructure is the most advanced in the world.

 

All Advertising signs must create their own power, and add to the grid. Many are simple fans that turn in the wind, creating power and using none.

 

All government funded gymnasiums have exercise bicycles and treadmills that are connected to the grid. Similarly, playground equipment from swings to see-saws are connected.

 

 

 

Every time someone uses energy, it is collected by the community. Personal proximity cards tally the amount of power that individuals have put back to the grid and contests are held to encourage people to exercise for their community.

 

Large wind farms have not been deployed, as there appears no reason for it - at least at this stage.

 

Private homes all use free government supplied solar roofing panels and other solar related equipment to create power for the grid and of course for the home.

 

Large buildings have solar collectors on their windows. Even the electric cars have a solar panel to lessen the impact on the grid.

 

 

Bus shelters are made from solar panels, initially a single panel to create a light at night, then further panels to power the LCD screens that show timetables and routes, but now they are just complete solar collectors and screens.

 

Even the tiny roadways have solar powered lights and use solar activated paint for their white lines. The car-parks outside the public buildings have solar cells woven into their sail fabric roofing material – they collect both solar and wind power.

 

Air conditioning is installed everywhere and ceiling fans are also installed in bedrooms and living rooms, although many of those are powered or augmented by wind – a simple fan above the roof drives a fan below the roof, using the warm outside breeze, to circulate and cool the inside.

 

The majority of homes have at least one water wall. This is a simple grid of cells containing rainwater that has been collected from the roof. The water wall acts as thermal insulation for the home and of course creates a natural sound barrier. The water wall is usually to the North or West, to provide the best insulation, and is often attached to the solar-direct water heater, feeding pre-warmed water to be boosted by the hot water system.

 

 

All homes have a Cyclone Bathroom built in – this allows for a safe zone in case of emergency from flood, fire, cyclone etc... Because the Cyclone Bathroom is directly connected to the roof, it also allows simple and safe access to clean or service the solar panels.

 

Homes have a variety of water storage systems, although fresh town water is available at every tap. Keeping water is considered to be a mark of environmental awareness, and stems from their ancient water rituals, now turned to modern environmentalism; although it would be hard to believe that the amount of water that can be stored at Fortunata will really assist global warming.