Five new wind turbines will be constructed in Niutoua following the signing of an agreement for a TOP40 million grant between the governments of Japan and Tonga.
The signing ceremony was performed between the Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, Yukio Numata and the Prime Minister of Tonga, ‘Akilisi Pohiva together with the Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni and JICA Fiji representative, Mr. Sawada in Nuku’alofa yesterday.
Ambassador Numata said the project follows on from the project for the introduction of a micro-grid control system and solar PV which was completed in March 2015.
“The project aims to assist the Government of Tonga to achieve its goal of increasing the proportion of renewable energy to 50% of Tonga’s electricity supply generation in accordance with the Government’s implementation policy in Tonga’s Energy Road Map 2010-2020 (TERM)”
“The project is unique as it is based on another study of Tonga’s vulnerability to natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunami and cyclones”, he added.
Prime Minister Pohiva said energy is a vital element in Tonga’s social and economic development and it enhances the wellbeing and livelihood of the Tongan people.
“The Government of Tonga has taken extensive measures to ensure that clean and renewable energy is accessible, well maintained and transforming to the economic landscape of the physical environment and eco-system”, he said.
A statement said the construction phase will start later this year and is expected to be completed in May 2019.