A new power generator worth over $1 million Tongan pa’anga was donated by the Australian government and commissioned by the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, Rachel Moore, this week.
The Tonga Power Ltd stated the project was a partnership between Tonga Power and the Australian Government for Tonga’s energy development.
The generator donation comes at a time when Tongatapu, the main island has been experiencing several power outages a week in the past 2 month. Even as late as last week, residents of Tongatapu complained of more than 5 power outages during the week, some lasting over two hours, with claims that domestic devises such as refrigerators have been damaged in the process.
Tonga power is in the process of integrating renewable energy technologies into its power infrastructure.
Tonga Power stated its existing generator fleet, with approximately 20 years of life, faces challenges with Tongatapu’s electricity demand. The new generator will significantly enhance its capacity to meet peak demand.
