The Government of Tonga and the Government of Australia today signed a new partnership agreement for AUD15 million in additional financing to Tonga''s energy sector.
The partnership will fund Tonga Power Limited to upgrade the 13-kilometre main transmission lines in Tongatapu, ready for renewable solar and battery projects under development. These projects will help enable Tonga to reach its 70 per cent renewable energy generation target in 2025.
The funding will also support Tonga Power Limited to stabilise electricity supply and reduce power outages through the replacement of ageing generators.
The next stage of the Nuku''alofa Network Upgrade Project will also be supported by the new funding. Area 4 of the project will cover more than 400 homes and businesses, upgrading the area''s grids and equipment to make them more resilient to natural disasters - especially cyclones.
The funding agreement was signed today at Popua Power Station by the Chief Executive Officer of Ministry of Finance, Kilisitina Tuaimei''api and the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Her Excellency, Rachael Moore.
In attendance were Minister for Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications, Honourable Fekita ''Utoikamanu; Australia''s Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, His Excellency Ewen McDonald; and the board and staff of TPL.
Minister ʻUtoikamanu said that the agreement marks a significant step forward in Australia''s commitment to supporting Tonga''s energy solutions and transition to renewable and sustainable energy.
"The Government of Australia has been an unwavering partner in our successful implementation of the Tonga''s Energy Roadmap; which aims to decrease Tonga''s dependence on fossil fuels and deliver an energy system that by 2035 is affordable, accessible, inclusive, resilient, sustainable, secure and enhances the livelihood and wellbeing of all Tongans."
His Excellency Ewen McDonald commended Tonga for its regional and global leadership in transitioning to renewable energy, and welcomed the sharing of innovation across both countries.
"The renewable energy transformation is not just important for Australia and Tonga; it is important for our Pacific region as we continue to grapple with the lived reality of the climate crisis."
Acting CEO of Tonga Power Limited, Finau Moa extended his appreciation for the investment.
"This holistic approach, backed by Australia''s commitment, empowers us to transition towards renewable energy without compromising service reliability. We are deeply appreciative of Australia''s partnership, which aligns with our mission of delivering sustainable, safe, and affordable electricity services to the people of Tonga, as well as our vision of powering the sustainable development for the Kingdom."
Australia has supported the energy sector in Tonga for more than ten years, including through the Outer Island Renewable Energy Project and the Tonga Renewable Energy Project in partnership with the Government of Tonga, Tonga Power Limited and the Asian Development Bank.
Matatoa, Tonga Power Limited- November 1,
(Nukuálofa 17th October 2024)
Tonga Power Limited is Tonga''s sole electricity provider. We generate, distribute and sell electricity to 25,043 customers in the Kingdom of Tonga, including the outer islands of ''Eua, Ha''apai & Vava''u.
Matatoa, Tonga Power Limited- November 1, 2024-Tonga Power Limited is pleased
The small island state of Tonga in the South Pacific is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to natural disasters and the effects of climate change. With a population of 103,000 spread across 177 islands, it is ranked second (behind Vanuatu) as the most disaster-prone country in the world, according to the 2016 World Risk Index.
In the past decade, cyclones have been an increasing threat. Two of the most recent, Cyclone Gita in 2018 and Cyclone Harold in April this year, devastated parts of the four main island groups: Tongatapu, Ha''apai, Vava''u, and Niuas. An estimated 80% of the country''s population was affected by these Category 4 storms. People lost their livelihoods, and critical infrastructure, including power poles and lines, were destroyed.
Energy security is an ever-present concern for Tonga. To address the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, the Government of Tonga confirmed the Renewable Energy Act in 2008. A transition to renewable energy has been a national priority ever since, and the government is working toward an ambitious goal of 70% renewable energy generation by 2030.
And ADB is part of that journey. Since 2013, ADB has forged a strong partnership with Tonga''s sole state-owned power utility, Tonga Power Limited (TPL), through its support of four energy projects: the Outer Island Renewable Energy Project, Cyclone Ian Recovery Project, Cyclone Gita Recovery Project, and Tonga Renewable Project. A key focus of all these ADB-supported projects is improving the resilience of power infrastructure—to ensure it stands up under the harshest of natural disasters. And encouraging women to become more and more involved in the maintenance of that infrastructure.
34-year-old Laura Lolohea started her training with TPL in 2010 as a Line Mechanic and has been a staff member since 2013. Her job involves climbing electricity poles to connect power lines to houses, doing repairs, and installing meters.
Ms. Lolohea says in her experience, TPL encourages and supports women to pursue work as line mechanics and in other roles predominantly filled by men in Tonga''s power sector.
Since hiring Laura, TPL has engaged more female technical staff, who now account for about 10% of the workforce. TPL says it is creating more long-term employment opportunities for women in keeping with their obligation to invest in a healthy, well-trained, and gender-diverse workforce.
Laura says working in the power sector has taught her a lot. "When I first started in this male-dominated working culture, I was the only female line mechanic," she said. "I managed to break the norm that says women cannot do this work by asking a lot of questions and learning from my male colleagues, who were always inclusive."
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