Reliable electricity transforms lives of Kotu’s women, improving safety, income, and preserving cultural traditions.
The island of Kotu in Ha’apai now enjoys 24-hour solar-powered electricity, revolutionising daily life for its 146 residents. All 41 households, including ten led by women, are connected to the new 72kWp solar mini-grid with a 696kWh battery system, ensuring consistent power supply.
Previously, residents relied on limited solar home systems or costly diesel generators, often restricting electricity use to a few hours daily. This scarcity particularly affected women, limiting their ability to engage in economic activities and compromising safety after dark.
Now, women like Langi Koloa can weave mats both day and night to meet urgent orders. “We normally weave at night, but we started early today because we need to complete and send to Tongatapu for a funeral,” she said. These mats, depending on their intricacy, can sell for between $900 and $2,000 pa’anga, providing significant income for families.
The introduction of electric appliances has also eased household chores. Electric kettles and stoves have replaced the need to gather firewood, allowing women more time for income-generating activities.
The project, part of the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP), is a collaborative effort involving the Tongan government, Asian Development Bank, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Green Climate Fund . It aims to reduce Tonga’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and achieve 70% renewable energy by 2025.
Kotu’s Town Officer, Toekava Puleanga, highlighted the community’s role in managing the new system. “The island’s electric society manages the tariff collections and general oversight of the electricity system on the island,” she noted. The society comprises nine members, including five women, who meet monthly.
The success in Kotu sets a precedent for other outer islands, demonstrating how sustainable energy solutions can empower communities, especially women, by enhancing economic opportunities and improving quality of life.
