Japan gives USD $15.2 million to Tonga for Solar Project

Nuku'alofa, Tonga : Mantangi Tonga

The Japanese Government has given Tonga well over US$15.2 million which will be used to  fully fund a solar power project in Vaini Tonga.  According the the local newspaper Matangi Tonga, an agreement for the grant was signed by Tonga Power Ltd and JICA (Japanese International Cooperation Association) in Tokyo a fortnight ago on 20 November 2013.

Two Japanese companies have been contracted to construct the Vaini Solar Farm along with a micro-grid connection from an existing Popua solar farm.

The two companies: NBK Corporation and Fuji Electric Company Ltd will begin construction early next year 2014. The project will be managed by Japanese consultancy firm, Yachiyo Engineering Company.

Tonga Power Ltd stated that the solar project will provide approximately 3% of Tonga Power’s electricity needs and help manage existing diesel generators at Popua.

The project aims to reduce dependency on diesel, reducing the cost of power generation. According to Tonga Power, the operation of a solar power facility in Tonga last year saved 540,000 litres of diesel per year.

Tonga Power CEO, John van Brink stated “This project will not only provide much needed renewable energy generation to Tongatapu, but will also provide the control systems and power conditioning equipment to enable future additions of renewable generation without negatively impacting on quality of electricity supply to our customers. The generous support of the Government of Japan is greatly appreciated.”

The project is scheduled for completion in March, 2015.