Results for Energy

An environmental study on seabed mining for “polymetallic nodules” - rocks that contain metals needed to build batteries, is underway in the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) of the Pacific between Hawaii and Mexico. The aim is to use the metals to power electric cars. The study is being undertaken by DeepGreen Metals Inc., a Canadian-based seafloor mining developer, which acquired Tonga Offshore Mining Limited (TOML) last year, and has sponsorship from the Tonga government for seabed exploration. By Eleanor Gee.

A new five years Electricity Concession Contract, to secure the supply of electricity to Tonga’s main island groups of Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai and Vava’u was signed in Nuku’alofa on 12 January 2021.

Tonga’s aim to reach 50% renewable energy by the end of 2021 may be delayed further as border restrictions due to CoViD-19 continues to hinder projects.

Australia has provided AUD$2.885 million towards Tonga’s outer islands solar power project, supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to help reduce reliance on diesel for power generation.

Four Tonga Power Limited staff directly involved with a petition that allegedly threatened to turn off the power supply to the country, and called for a TPL staff strike on October 2, have been asked to take time off from work while investigations are conducted, according to management today.

The price of petrol, kerosene, and diesel has increased starting today, 17 August.

The duty for fuel has been increased by the Tongan Government by 10 seniti/litre from 65 to 75 seniti/litre, resulting in the rise of petrol and diesel prices starting today 1 July.

The prices of petrol, kerosene and diesel have fallen largely in new prices effective on May 18.

Petrol, diesel, and kerosene prices have fallen for the second month in a row after the new prices were approved by the Tonga Competent Authority (TCA) effective today, 16 April.