The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Australian Government are providing funding so that nine of Tonga’s outer islands can get solar power and reduce their huge reliance on diesel electricity generation.

ADB will contribute US$2million while the Australian Agency for International Development will put in a further US$4.5million into The Outer Islands Renewable Energy Project. This funding will enable solar system to be installed on nine islands including Eua, Vava’u, Ha’apai, four outer islands of the Ha’apai group (Uiha, Nomuka, Ha’ano, Ha’afeva), Niuatoputapu and Niuafo’ou. The Government of Tonga will also make an in-kind contribution equivalent to US$300 000.

Tonga consists of 176 islands over 700 000 square kilometres. With a population of just over 100 000 people, they rely heavily on imported diesel to provide them with power. This means they are greatly susceptible to fluctuating market prices. Their power prices have been known to be as high as 74c per kilowatt hour or more in the past! With such huge bills, the Government is keen to reduce its fuel import bills and provide its people with clean sources of electricity.

“Tonga depends on imported diesel for over 90% of its electricity needs and the high cost imposes a heavy burden on consumers,” said Paul Hattle, Energy Specialist from ADB’s Pacific Department. “Installing solar systems on distant islands will help reduce the fuel bill and give consumers access to a cleaner, more cost effective power source.”

The nine islands will produce 1.25 megawatts of power in total at peak use. This will reduce the imported fuel by 0.48 million litres each year. A litre of diesel generates approximately 2.6 kg’s of carbon emissions – a total of 1,248 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year. The solar systems will input into state and community owned power distribution networks and is estimated to take six years to complete. Training will also be provided to locals for correct operation and maintenance of the solar systems as well as management services for at least five years after the project’s completion.

With expensive fuel bills and climate change posing huge threats to the nation, on-going and increasing clean renewable energy sources are very important.