New solar battery and hospital waste incinerator for 'Eua [1]
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Thursday, March 2, 2023 - 17:42. Updated on Thursday, March 2, 2023 - 17:42.
HE Rachael Moore, Dr Taniela Fusimalohi and Dr. Aline Teumohenga during the commissioning of the new waste management incinerator at Niu'eiki Hospital, 2 March 2023. Photo: AHC
A new solar/battery system for the people of 'Eua and a new waste management incinerator at Niu'eiki Hospital were commissioned in two separate occassions on 2 March, by the Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Rachael Moore.
The 350kW solar plant and 1003kW/1856kWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in 'Ohonua was funded under the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP) led by the Asian Development Bank and co-financed by Australia.
“This will enable Tonga Power Ltd (TPL) to integrate renewable energy into its electricity grid and provide reliable power to customers. With the completion of the new system, along with the existing solar plant installed through the Outer Islands Renewable Energy Project (OIREP), 'Eua's renewable energy percentage is expected to reach around 35%,” stated the Australian High Commission.
Ms Moore congratulated TPL and its partners, Infratec who constructed the new solar and battery storage system, and the people of ʻEua for this milestone. She also commended Tonga for its aspirational targets and the delivery of these projects despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and the volcanic eruption and tsunami.
She said the Government of Australia continued support to Tonga in its ambitious renewable energy target of 70% by 2025 to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases in the electricity sector and encourage the additional generation of electricity from sustainable and renewable sources.
Hospital waste
HE Rachael Moore and Dr. Aline Teumohenga at the new waste management incinerator, Niu'eiki Hospital, 2 March 2023: Photo: AHC
Meanwhile, the new waste management incinerator at Niu’eiki Hospital is part of an overall Government of Australia Regional Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative worth AUD280 million.
Chief Medical Officer in Charge, Dr. Aline Teumohenga extended the hospital's gratittude for this assistance, which will help them to manage the medical waste more effectively, efficiently and in an environmentally-friendly manner for the people, on the island.
The incinerator is part of a three-component project between two outer island health facilities including Princess Fusipala Hospital in Ha’apai (launched in September 2022) and the instalment of an Ecosteryl unit currently underway, at Vaiola Hospital on Tongatapu.
Solar plant and battery energy storage system. 'Ohonua, 'Eua 2 March 2023. Photo: AHC
HE Rachael Moore, TPL staff and 'Eua residents at the new solar and battery system in ʻOhonua, 'Eua, Tonga, 2 March 2023. Photo: AHC
Outer Islands [9]