All 84 households on Hunga Island, including seven female-headed homes, are now connected to a new solar-powered microgrid, marking a significant milestone in Tonga’s renewable energy journey.
The system, part of the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP), delivers 73.08kWp of solar energy, supported by a 1,313.28kWh battery storage system and a modern distribution network. This development ensures round-the-clock electricity for the island’s residents, enhancing daily life and economic opportunities.
Seini Tavalea, a primary school teacher from nearby Otea, shared the impact on her family, “My children now use iPads for homework and entertainment. Household chores are easier with our new washing machine and microwave.” She is considering purchasing an electric sewing machine to produce clothing for church events, noting that sewing machines are currently hired at $5 per day.
Mrs. Lupe Selu Tupa, the wife of the local church minister, also expressed appreciation: “Appliances like the kettle and iron have lightened my workload. I now have time to weave fine mats and enjoy the radio.”
The TREP initiative, co-financed by the Asian Development Bank, Green Climate Fund, and the governments of Tonga and Australia, aims to achieve 70% renewable energy generation by 2030. Projects like the Hunga microgrid are pivotal in reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels and promoting sustainable development across Tonga’s outer islands.
This advancement not only provides reliable electricity but also empowers communities, particularly women, by opening avenues for entrepreneurship and improved quality of life.
