Tonga’s Energy Road Map will get a $6.5 Million boost from the European Union over the next three months after a deal was signed between the European Union and the Tongan Government at Pacific Energy Summit in Auckland on Monday March 25.

The Tonga Energy Road Map is an initiative of the Tongan Government that is working towards creating renewable and sustainable energy sources for Tonga.

The European Union is optimistic about the projects sustainability and success. The enthusiasm was shown by EU Development Commissioner Andris Pielbags at the signing ceremony, he stated, “I see a tremendous opportunity for the EU and Tonga to work hand in hand to address climate change issues and, at the same time, promote sustainable development of the country.”

There is also optimism about the prospect of the Tonga Energy Road Map in leading the way for other Pacific countries.

Clean energy

“Indeed renewable energy and energy efficiency will help widen the access to clean energy for the people while reducing the country’s dependency on fossil fuel. This is a win-win scenario and an exemplary initiative for the entire Pacific region”.

The project has been equally well received among Pacific neighbours. Pacific Leaders gave their appraisal at another Energy Summit hosted by Tonga last Thursday in Nuku‘alofa.

The Secretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum, Tuiloma Slade, said in a speech at the Summit last Thursday, “Without question such laudable initiative would need to rely on well-designed and integrated country action plans. As we have heard and seen from the presentation this morning from the Government of Tonga on their Energy Road Map, it has set the most admirable of standards and example.”

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon Manasseh Maelanga stated “When it comes to Energy Development we have experienced many shortcomings in the region. The Tonga Energy Road Map is a success story that we are hearing today”.