Solar power for around 197 households on the small island of ‘Uiha in the Ha’apai Group, was tested this week marking an important transition from diesel to solar power generation, ahead of commissioning at the end of the month.

The project is supported by the Outer Islands Renewable Energy Project (OIREP) led by Asian Development Bank and co-financed by Australia and other donor partners.

Australian High Commissioner, HE Rachael Moore visited the ‘Uiha last week and inspected OIREP’s progress. 

She said Australia supports the Government of Tonga’s goal of moving to 70% renewable energy by 2030.

There are two villages on 'Uiha, one is 'Uiha village where the power station is located and the other is Felemea.

Milestone

Project Manager Seti Chen, said he was thrilled to see the joy amongt the households in ‘Uiha and Felemea as they access electricity from the solar panels - these have provided 100% renewable power on 24-hour cycles, since the testing started on 11 September.

"I can say we are now nearing final acceptance testing for a practical commissioning. Until now, households in ‘Uiha and Felemea had access to electricity generated by diesel in only six-hours a day."

“We are currently going through testing and acceptance so commissioning towards the end of the month.”

He said the testing is already operating off solar and battery, at the same time testing the diesel changeover if required.

"As demand grows, we expect to be using some of the power to meet demand, by way of diesel, but with the current load of the island, we are running at 100% solar and battery in the evening, which is a significant milestone. 

“If the load of the island stays the same, then I would say the island will be running at 100% renenwable for majority of the year, but expecting days with inclement weather to use the diesel generator as backup."

The testing is scheduled to be completed tomorrow, 16 September and the team will move on to do the remaining works and testing at Ha’ano, in Ha'apai.

Halatokoua, a chief on ‘Uiha was also happy to witness this milestone, increasing their accessibility to electricity from six-hours a day to 24-hours.

"I am just speechless to express my gratitude for this project. Praise the Lord!” 

Ongoing program.

There will be continuous on-job training by the OIREP team so that the local solar committee will be familiar with the system and know how to operate their hybrid system.

Software connected to the technician’s phone will notify them once an issue is detected with their power staton. 

‘Uiha also has a diesel genset as a backup, and should any issue arise with the system the program will disconnect itself automatically. 

The High Commissioner was accompanied by the Acting Governor of Ha’apai, ‘Ana Uaafe Veikoso and the Infrastructure and Energy Program Manager, Mapa Taumalolo, with officers from OIREP and the Australian High Commission. 

Gamma Solutions technicians, Valentine, Alvaro and Paula with Safeguard Specialist, Hikaione Loumoli were also in ‘Uiha for the testing of the solar system operation.