Results for Energy

Tonga's first solar farm "Maama Mai" or "Let there be light" began operation on August 20, and customers should see a reduction in the price of electricity on their first power bill in September.

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 $11 million renewable energy project funded by the Government of Japan for the people of Tonga.

Tonga's first Solar Farm, built at a cost of TOP $12 million is expected to be officially opened on July 24, according to Tonga Power Ltd.

Tonga's first Solar Farm, built at a cost of TOP $12 million, is expected to be in full operation by August, said John van Brink, the General Manager of the Tonga Power Ltd.

The new Tonga Village Network Upgrade Project will not only upgrade power distribution in 17 villages throughout Tongatapu, but it is also creating jobs and industry training for 10 Tongan linesmen.

A World Bank Energy Sector Mission Team visited Tonga on September 20-23 to discuss and advance the preparation of a proposed World Bank and Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF) under the Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM).

On June 24, in Abu Dhabi, IRENA and the Kingdom of Tonga will hold an official Signing Ceremony of the IRENA Abu Dhabi Declaration on the Tonga Energy Road Map 2010-20. The ceremony is an important milestone in the successful, on-going partnership between IRENA and the Pacific Kingdom. That partnership has resulted in Tonga going from being almost 100% dependent on imported diesel for electrical generation, to having one of the most ambitious energy plans in the world.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing assistance to the Pacific to help design and deliver renewable energy products to the region through a $3 million grant for the development of small pilot projects in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.

Coconut oil, which Tongans and other Pacific Islanders have used primarily for cooking and as body oil, could become a secure source of fuel to power their vehicles, according to Tonga’s Energy Officer, Tevita Tukunga. From Matangi Tonga Magazine Vol. 18, no. 1, March 2003.