Is Tonga ready for a solar mini-grid?

Tonga has a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2020 and 70% by 2030. Tonga’s most remote island, Niuatoputapu, is all set for the development of a new solar mini grid. The King of Tonga, Tupou VI, led a groundbreaking ceremony for the solar PV array which will connect to 210 homes.

What is solar power in Tonga?

The solar PV system is part of a 1.25 MW portfolio, where power will be sold to the island’s villagers through pre-paid net metering. The Asian Development Bank, with the help of other institutions, is supporting the deployment of solar on the Pacific Ocean’s small island nations. Tonga has a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2020 and 70% by 2030.

How many solar PV plants will be built in Tonga?

The overall project comprises nine individual solar PV plants that will have a cumulative capacity of 1.25 MW to be built on Tonga’s remote islands. Some will feature additional storage systems, to power households, public facilities, and medical facilities.

How does the Tonga solar plant work?

Once operational, the solar plant will sell its electricity to Tonga’s power utility, Tonga Power Limited (TLP), through a subsidized tariff, which is assessed by the ADB for each project. The island's citizens purchase the electricity through prepaid metering.