HE Mr Yasuo Takase, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga (left) with Lord Fulivai, Governor of Vava'u. Hunga Island. 24 July 2012.

The installation of new solar power systems for over 500 homes in 11 remote islands communities in Vava'u and small islands off Tongatapu, began with an official groundbreaking ceremony at Hunga Island, on July 24, at the start of an TOP $11 million (Yen 590 million) renewable energy project funded by the Government of Japan for the people of Tonga.

The Project for Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System in Tonga is expected to be completed in one year and will benefit 550 households in the island communities of Hunga, 'Ovaka, Lape, Nuapapu, Matamaka, 'Otea, Falevai, Kapa, Taunga, 'Olo'ua, and Ofu in Vava'u; and also in Tongatapu, 'Eueiki and 'Atata.

The solar power home systems can support lights and electronic appliances such as radios in households.

The  Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Mr Yasuo Takase, said Tonga was facing challenges because of rising fuel prices that caused increasing poverty and a decline in the welfare of the people. He said the Government of Tonga launched the Tonga Energy Roadmap (TERM), to deal with rising fuel prices and to mitigate its impacts. The exchange of notes on the project was signed in March 2010 between himself and Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, the Prime Minister of Tonga at the time.

"More solar power means less fuel and I believe Japan's project will help with the Tonga Government's efforts."

He said the solar systems were designed by Japan to be used for many years with proper maintenance by users and the use of long life LED lights, complementing Japan's efforts to reduce waste in Vava'u and establish a model of self-sustainable cycle of consumption for Tonga..

"Long life products mean less waste, this is why we provide long life solar system. Japan has two projects in Vava'u to reduce waste and improve waste management,"  he said.

Japanese consultants will be in Tonga to supervise the construction of the project, which is a joint venture of Yachiyo Engineering Co. Ltd, ICON Inc and Shikoku Denryoku with local contractors Friendly Island Electric, Veisiale Construction and Friendly Island Shipping.

The Governor of Vava'u Lord Fulivai, Lord Tangi and JICA Resident Representative Mr Makoto Tsujimoto attended the ceremony, in Hunga.

The Ambassador said this economic cooperation project is a part of joint efforts of Japan and the Kingdom of Tonga to deal with global climate change as well as to reduce the dependence to diesel fuels by implementation of Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM). It is also expected to demonstrate Japan’s environment technology with long durability and high quality.  This project also demonstrates Japan’s determination and initiatives to promote green economy and more sustainable future, which was also recently emphasized by Japan’s Foreign Minister Gemba’s speech at Rio +20 in June.