Tonga’s Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga, Semisi Sika has marked the beginning of the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project (NNUP), in a ground-breaking ceremony at St Mathias Anglican Church, Pahu.
The five years Project is funded by the New Zealand Government in partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a combined total of $30.8 million NZD.
Minister for MEIDECC, Poasi Tei said, the ground breaking ceremony marks not only a significant milestone in the life and commencement of this project but also tangible progress towards the Government’s overall energy target to reach 50% renewable energy by 2020.
“Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project is a vital part of Tonga’s renewable energy integration efforts, particularly from a climate resilient position and it aims to also improve the demand side management of electricity and improve energy efficiency through overall reduction of electricity losses to 9% by 2020.”
He stated that NNUP will help reduce technical and non-technical network losses, increase access to electricity, provide safe and reliable electricity supply to approximately 8,472 households and businesses in the greater 5 areas of Nuku’alofa, reduce electricity tariffs as a result of reduced system losses and improve Tonga Power Ltd’s operating and maintenance capability.
“We are making solid and steady progress towards these targets. For example the close collaboration between the Energy Department (MEIDECC) and Public Enterprises which TPL incorporates in, implemented energy efficient measures through smart meter installation, interconnection and upgrade programs and there are other renewable energy projects in the pipeline, which should give us much confidence for the future.
The proposed Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project, is divided into 5 sub-object areas including 56 villages in Nuku’alofa, which will cover the villages of Kolomotu’a, Kolofo’ou, Fanga, Longolongo and Tofoa