A renewable-based hybrid system and mini-grid has been installed on Kotu Island
12 June 2024. Tonga rely heavily on imported diesel (about 80%) to produce its electricity, which raised concerns about climate change.
In response, the Government of Tonga has set an ambitious goal to generate 70% of the country’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 through the Tonga Energy Roadmap Plus (TERM Plus) 2021 – 2030.
The Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP), which is co-financed by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Asian Development Bank, and the Government of Australia, is one of the key projects currently being implemented in Tonga to help achieve these targets.
The Infratec-Netcon JV has been contracted under the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP) to install solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) mini-grids for Kotu in the Ha’apai Outer Islands.
The testing has been completed, and the commissioning is scheduled to take place on the 12th of June 2024.
The mini-grid at Kotu has a renewable energy capacity of 72 kW with a 696 kWh battery energy storage system (BESS) capacity. This system can cater for all households and institutions on the island.
The Island consists of 36 households, Primary School, Church Buildings and Halls with a total population of about 120 people.
The installation took several months to complete and created job opportunities for more than 20 local people.
The project included the installation of the solar generation plant and battery station, low voltage network construction and house wiring.
The Electricity Commission has completed the inspect of each household before livening and same exercise will be carried out on the other islands.
Kotu will be the first 100% renewable mini-grid ever installed in Tonga with enough battery capacity to cover for cloudy days.
The progress of installation works encountered delays which mainly due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances which are out of our control.
“Having access to 24-hour full service mains electricity is a major milestone for Kotu.
It means our children can access to better lights for study, we will be able to iron our clothes, watch television, and experience the same benefits as the people on the main island of Pangai and even Tongatapu.
However, we should also be mindful of the monthly electricity bill, which will depend on the amount of electricity consumed during the month.
The more electricity we consume, the higher the electricity bills will be,” said Mrs. Toekava Pule’anga, the town officer of Kotu.
“Two major sources of income on this island are women’s handicraft making and men’s fishing.
However, the current solar freezer has limited storage capacity, leading to a high demand for reliable 24-hour electricity supply to power freezers, store and preserve the catch, and produce ice blocks.
The installed solar mini grid will provide opportunities for every household to have their own freezers and making it easier for women who are engaged in weaving etc.
We have also received training from TREP staff on how to use energy productively and tips for purchasing energy-efficient appliances”, as mentioned by a Wesleyan church minister on Kotu Island.
The TREP project continues construction of similar systems on the islands of Tungua, Mo’unga’one, O’ua, Niuafo’ou, Hunga, Ofu, Otea and Falevai.
All islands are expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Commissioning of ‘Oúa Island will be next which is scheduled for the last week of June.
Acknowledging the opportunity and support from ADB, DFAT, GCF and the Government of Tonga.
- RNZI
