By Tupou Vaipulu Jr

A grant of AUD15 Million from the Government of Australia, was signed over to the Government of Tonga today 10 April, at the Popua Power Station in ‘Anana. The grant will help to fund projects for Tonga Power Ltd in reaching its 70% renewable energy target, to reduce power outages in the country and support the next phase of the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project.

It will fund Tonga Power Ltd to upgrade the 13-kilometre main transmission lines in Tongatapu and assist Tonga to reach its 70 per cent renewable energy generation target for 2025.

It will also support TPL to stabilize electricity supply and reduce power outages through the replacement of ageing generators.

The next stage of the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project (NNUP) will also be supported by the new funding.

More than 400 homes and businesses in Area 4 of the project will be covered, by upgrading the area’s grids and equipment to make them more resilient to natural disasters, especially cyclones.

Australia’s Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, HE Mr Ewen McDonald said that climate change is a big threat in Tonga and that’s why projects like these are important for the country.

The new Minister for MEIDECC, Hon. Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu attended the event.

Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of Finance, Kilistina Tuaime’api and the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Rachael Moore signed the grant agreement.