14th November 2018 The Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga and Minister for Tourism and Infrastructure Hon. Semisi Sika marked the beginning of the Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project (NNUP), in a ground-breaking ceremony this morning at St Mathias Anglican Church, Pahu.
The five years Project is funded by the Government of New Zealand in partnership with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of United Arab Emirates (UAE) with a combined total of $30.8 million NZD.
Minister for MEIDECC Hon. Poasi Tei said, the ground breaking ceremony marks not only a significant milestone in the life and commencement of this project but also tangible progress towards the Government’s overall energy target to reach 50% renewable energy by 2020.
“Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project is a vital part of Tonga’s renewable energy integration efforts, particularly from a climate resilient position and it aims to also improve the demand side management of electricity and improve energy efficiency through overall reduction of electricity losses to 9% by 2020.”
He stated that NNUP will help reduce technical and non-technical network losses, increase access to electricity, provide safe and reliable electricity supply to approximately 8,472 households and businesses in the greater 5 areas of Nuku’alofa, reduce electricity tariffs as a result of reduced system losses and improve Tonga Power Ltd’s operating and maintenance capability.
“We are making solid and steady progress towards these targets. For example the close collaboration between the Energy Department (MEIDECC) and Public Enterprises which TPL incorporates in, implemented energy efficient measures through smart meter installation, interconnection and upgrade programs and there are other renewable energy projects in the pipeline, which should give us much confidence for the future.
Hon. Tei expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Government of Tonga to all three development partners for their generous contributions. “We are most fortunate that we have development partners helping us in our journey and we are always grateful for your continuous support to Tonga’s energy sector, and I would kindly remind us all, that we are only half way there in completing 5 areas, let us continue this journey together.”
CEO for Tonga Power Limited Mr. Setitaia Chen outlined the activities set out in the project to achieve which is to:
- Improved safety of the network, reducing the risk of injury and death
- Increased network efficiency, reliability, accessibility
- Improved resilience of the network to withstand extreme weather conditions such as cyclones and earthquakes.
He noted that this will all be accomplished, but the true value of this project, is visually seeing the change and hearing the acknowledgement of the people. “And although we know that we ourselves may not see the full benefits today, it is comforting to know our future generation will.”
The proposed Nuku’alofa Network Upgrade Project, is divided into 5 sub-object areas including 56 villages in Nuku’alofa, which will cover the villages of Kolomotu’a, Kolofo’ou, Fanga, Longolongo and Tofoa.
The work will begin tomorrow starting with Pahu.
ENDS
Issued by the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications