All 41 households in Otea, Vava’u, now enjoy 24-hour solar electricity, boosting livelihoods and empowering women.
Residents of Otea, a remote village in Vava’u, are experiencing a significant transformation following the commissioning of a new solar-powered mini-grid.
The system, part of the Tonga Renewable Energy Project (TREP), delivers 31.32 kilowatts of solar capacity and 547.2 kilowatt-hours of battery storage, ensuring continuous electricity supply for all 41 households, including eight female-headed homes.
The reliable power supply has enabled residents to enhance their daily lives and economic activities. Ileini Leanani Hausia, who co-owns a local convenience shop with her husband, shared the positive impact: “Having a shop in front of my house is good, as I can just run out and serve the customers while taking care of my child.”
Since connecting to the grid in March 2025, they have added a deep freezer, allowing them to sell frozen goods and homemade ice blocks, popular with children after school.
The TREP initiative, co-financed by the Asian Development Bank, the Green Climate Fund, and the Australian Government, aims to reduce Tonga’s reliance on imported fossil fuels and increase renewable energy usage to 70% by 2025.
The project not only provides clean energy but also fosters economic growth and gender equality by enabling women to participate more actively in income-generating activities.
