Vava'u will enjoy solar power integration with a new solar and battery energy storage system that was commissioned in Kameli, Vava'u on 14 March.
The system, including a 300kW solar plant and a 2 Mega-watt hour battery energy storage system, will enable Tonga Power to integrate renewable energy into its electricity grid and provide reliable power to customers.
The project was backed with financial support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), Asian Development Bank, Government of Australia and in- kind contribution from the Government of Tonga and Tonga Power Limited.
The Acting Prime Minister Hon. Samiu Kiuta Vaipulu, the Vava'u no.15 People's Representative to the Legislative Assembly, was guest of honour.
Australia's High Commissioner, HE Rachael Moore said the collaborations between Tonga and Australia are important toward achieving sustainable sources of electricity.
She also applauded Tonga for its aspirational targets and the delivery of these projects during difficult times.
Renewable energy
The project is the third component, of the Tonga Renewable Energy project (TREP). A Load Shifting and Grid Stability Battery Energy storage systems were completed in Tongatapu in October 2022 and the 'Eua Solar and BESS, on 2 March this year.
The solar and battery energy storage system was constructed by Infratec, with the support of local contractors JH Electrical and Clay Energy.
TPL stated that the integration of the solar and battery energy storage system with the existing diesel generators will be a major challenge, but they are committed to ensuring that the system operates effectively and delivers benefits to its customers.
“With the completion of the new system, along with the existing solar plant installed through the Outer Islands Renewable Energy Project, this will help in assisting in managing the complexity of Renewable energy technology as well as progressing our renewable energy targets.”
The Government of Australia alongside ADB has contributed to renewable energy projects as part of the Outer Island Renewable Energy projects (OIREP), which is progressing in network upgrades to Vava’u island, setting up a new micro-grid network to Niuatoputapu and microgrid rehabilitation to outer islands of Ha’apai (Ha'ano, Uiha, Ha’afeva, Nomuka).
The last component of the Tonga Renewable Energy Project, will progress over the next year to the outer islands of Ha’apai and Niuafo'ou to install solar generation and storage capacity to these islands with connections to all homes on 'O'ua, Kotu, Tungua, Mo'ungaone and Niuafo’ou.
“Project savings are being used to install similar systems in the Vava’u outer islands of Falevai, Hunga, Ofu and 'Otea,” Tonga Power stated.
The project is supported by the Green Climate Fund, the Asian Development Bank and Australia.
