29th September, 2020 Tonga will continue the efforts to have renewable energy providing 70 percent of the country''s power supply needs, with solar power being an important part of that investment, the Regional Committee for the Asia and Pacific Region of the International Solar Alliance has been told.
Hon Poasi Mataele Tei, the Vice President of the Asia and Pacific Region of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) made the revelation at the virtual meeting of the Regional Committee Meeting for Asia & Pacific Region, on Monday, September 28.
And he pointed to the important role that the ISA will play in helping members in the Asia and Pacific region strengthen their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and to chart a roadmap for achieving their climate action targets.
"With the next round of NDCs, countries especially across Asia & Pacific are enhancing their commitments for greater deployment of renewable energy, particularly solar energy."
He highlighted the opportunities and potential for solar energy in the region, adding the fact that the needs of the member countries are "large and diverse".
"The needs of Asia and Pacific region are pretty large and diverse, but at the same time, the region is filled with immense opportunities and potential. Solar PV has shown tremendous growth potential across the globe, especially in the Asia-Pacific region," he said.
He said the regional committee meetings gives Ministers, stakeholders'' reps and partners the chance to reflect back on the needs and requirements of the various regions, and the roadmap for achieving the same through ISA.
"This year has been especially special for the ISA and its Member Countries with the launch and progress of various new and innovative initiates by the ISA Secretariat," Hon Tei said.
"The World Solar Technology Summit which witnessed a gathering of more 10,000 participants from across the globe, was a unique first in that direction."
Other initiatives this year saw the launch of the banker''s training programme, ISA''s Coalition for Sustainable Climate Action (ISACSCA), ISA CARES, World Solar Bank and Roadmap for Mobilizing US $1 Trillion in solar sector by 2030.
The Third Assembly of the International Solar Alliance will be held on October 14, 2020 in New Delhi, Republic of India.
That meeting will discuss a wide range of issues including the adoption of reports from the various regions, election of officials for regional and the international associations and the updates of various projects and programs that have been undertaken.
Hon Tei said the initiatives taken for the scaling up the solar deployment in the Asia and Pacific region will be achieved by all members working together.
"The Kingdom of Tonga has always been an active participant in all of ISA''s activities and I urge all the other countries of the region to support ISA in its endeavors through their participation," he added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Upendra Tripathy, Director General of the ISA, also attended the virtual meeting,a long with other stakeholders and partners.
The Energy Department is responsible for the country''s energy planning and development continues to work hands in hands with the Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM) under the umbrella of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Energy, Disaster Management, Meteorology, Information and Communication (MEIDECC).
tongaenergyroadmap.gov.to
Tonga, an enchanting kingdom, is taking significant steps towards adopting renewable energy. With a distinct advantage in its clean technology energy market, Tonga aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and achieve greater energy autonomy. The country possesses abundant solar, wind, and geothermal resources, positioning it as a potential leader in Pacific renewable energy innovation.
Tonga has set ambitious renewable energy goals, aiming to generate 50% of its electricity from green sources by 2020 and increase this to 70% by 2030. These targets are motivated by the desire to minimize the country’s dependence on imported diesel, which currently fuels approximately 90% of its electricity generation. The transition to renewable energy not only benefits the environment but also alleviates the economic strain of diesel imports.
Solar power has emerged as a particularly viable renewable energy source in Tonga, thanks to its sun-soaked climate and mostly flat landscape. The Tongan government has taken initiative by endorsing solar power development and implementing a net metering policy. This policy enables residential and commercial users to sell surplus solar energy back to the grid, fostering a surge in small-scale solar installations. The number of grid-connected solar systems has increased from just a few in 2010 to over a thousand by 2018.
Tonga’s solar energy potential has garnered global interest. In 2017, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $29.9 million grant for the Outer Island Renewable Energy Project. This project aims to establish solar power systems across 22 of Tonga’s outer islands. Successful completion of the project is projected to reduce diesel usage by approximately 1.2 million litres annually, leading to an estimated saving of $1.3 million in yearly fuel expenses.
Tonga’s location in the South Pacific trade wind belt provides a distinct advantage for wind energy. The country experiences steady and robust winds, particularly during the dry season from May to October. A 2014 study by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) identified several areas in Tonga suitable for wind power generation. It is estimated that wind power alone could fulfill up to 34% of Tonga’s electricity requirements.
Geothermal energy, while less recognized, represents another promising avenue for renewable energy in Tonga. Situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its volcanic activity and geothermal prospects, Tonga offers significant potential for geothermal energy. In 2013, the Tongan government signed a memorandum of understanding with Ormat Technologies, a New Zealand company, to explore the development of geothermal power plants on the islands of Tongatapu and Vava’u. If successful, geothermal energy could provide a consistent power source, complementing the intermittent nature of solar and wind power.
In conclusion, Tonga’s energy market presents numerous opportunities for innovation in green technology. By harnessing its abundant solar, wind, and geothermal resources, Tonga can reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, lower its carbon footprint, and enhance its energy security. Furthermore, Tonga’s successful implementation of renewable energy plans can serve as a beacon for other small island nations in the Pacific, demonstrating how green technology can drive sustainable development in the region.
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