King Tupou VI launched the installation of Tonga's first Wind Power Generation System, with a ground breaking ceremony on 14 September at Niutoua, on the east coast of Tongatapu. The $40 million project is funded by Japan.

Dubbed the “JICA Wind Generation System” is a joint project of the Tongan Government, the Japanese Government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA and Tonga Power Limited. Construction is carried out by a consulting firm Kokusai Kokyo Co Ltd, and the NBK Corporation Nishizawa Limited & Progressive Energy Corporation.

Tthe ground-breaking was conducted under a Japanese procedure, with the King, the Japanese Ambassador, HE Mr Teetsuya Ishi, the Minister for Public Enterprises, Dr Saia Piukala, Mr Shinji Yoshiura, a representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency; representatives of the Kokusai Kokyo Co Ltd, NBK  Corporation, Nishizawa Limited and Progressive Energy Corporation and representatives of Tonga Power Ltd. Queen Nanasipau'u also attended the project launch.

The Windmill is a part of Tonga’s energy strategic program that aims by 2020 to have 50% of its electricity from renewable energy. At present, according to Tonga Power Ltd, more than 91% of Tonga's electricity consumption is supplied by generators fuelled with imported diesel.

The JICA Wind Generation System is expected to be in full operation by June 2019 and will contribute 6% to Tonga’s renewable energy supply.