Additional solar generation and battery storage systems are to be designed and delivered to Vava’u and ‘Eua by mid 2021, assuming there are no long term restrictions due to the CoViD-19 pandemic.

This was after the Tongan Government signed on with New Zealand renewable energy companies Infratec and JV partner NETcon, as part of the Tonga Renewable Energy Project.

Design and procurement work will start immediately and the project is expected to be completed by mid-2021.

The New Zealand based companies are expected deliver on-grid solar power plants and battery storage systems on the islands significantly increasing access to renewable energy on the islands and reducing reliance on current diesel generation

Infratec Chief Executive Greg Visser said the project would have significant benefits for local people and businesses and the economy.

“This is important infrastructure for ‘Eua, Vava’u and Tonga. We will be designing and delivering the infrastructure to more than double the solar power currently on the islands. For ‘Eua, this translates to 28% of their energy needs, and 7% for the larger island of Vava’u."

He said on a technical level, these systems include the battery needed to deliver solar day and night, and for the first time run the islands off-diesel for periods of time.

This will help Tonga achieve its renewable energy goals and reduce the dependency on fuel imports, ultimately reducing the cost of doing business, creating new business opportunities, and freeing up household income for other needs.

“We will also be delivering the project in a way that brings as much benefit as possible to local people and communities, including employing local community liaison staff, providing employment and training for local people, and delivering an HIV/Aids prevention program on each of the islands.”

The project is administered by Tonga Power Limited and the Asian Development Bank funded by the Green Climate Fund, Asian Development Bank, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Tongan Government. 

“The Tongan Government is the leader in the Pacific in showcasing how renewable energy can bring lasting benefits to its people,” he said.

CoVid-19 restrictions

However, with Covid-19 restrictions in place, local partners are to start initial site works (such as site clearing and survey), while Infratec engineers kick off the design working remotely in New Zealand.

Infratec and NETcon are also designing and delivering solar power/battery storage power plants and distribution systems on five outer islands ('O’ua, Tungua, Kotu, Mo’unga’one and Niuafo’ou) through the Tonga Renewable Energy Plan.