Tonga’s second Large scaled Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) will be built at Matatoa after an agreement was signed today between Tonga Power Limited and Akuo Energy SAS.

Akuo Energy specializes in developing and operating renewable energy power plants, and was also the successful contractor for the first grid stabilization battery which will be located at Popua power station

In a statement Tonga Power said that Battery Energy Storage Systems are a vital component to reaching Tonga’s 50% Renewable Energy target by end of year 2020.

“Battery Energy storage systems will be able to store renewable energy generated from our existing solar and wind generation sites and distribute it to the people of Tonga when required. This second Battery Storage system’s main function will be load shifting, which will facilitate increasing capacity of renewable generation in the grid by storing solar generation during the day for use during evening peak and at night.”

This project is funded through the TREP project, co-financed through ADB, GCF fund and DFAT along with contributions from government of Tonga and TPL.

The usable storage capacity of the BESS will be 17.4 MWh at the end of life with the capability to charge and discharge at 5.0 MW. The project is expected to begin its planning and construction mid early 2020 and the plant is to be commissioned in September 2020.

The agreement was signed by TPL ACEO Steven ‘Esau and Akuo Energy Chief Operation Officer, Adrien Nayan Bock. In attendance were representatives from the Asian Development Bank, DFAT, Ministry of MEIDECC and TPL.