Tonga has three years to meet its renewable energy goals.
Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told Radio Tonga the government wanted to generate half the kingdom’s power from renewable sources by 2020.
It now produces 11 percent from renewable sources.
Hon. Sovaleni told the national broadcaster Tonga was hampered by its isolation, funding and the number of islands.
The government hoped to obtain climate change funding to overcome some of the problems. It is likely to invest in solar and wind projects.
According to a World Bank report, the Pacific faces unique challenges in providing affordable and accessible electricity.
There was a heavy reliance on diesel-fueled generators in many areas to power homes and businesses.
The report said electricity prices in the region were among the highest in the world, with some countries spending as much as 25% of gross domestic product on fuel imports.
This left household incomes, inflation levels and national finances extremely vulnerable to volatile Asia-Pacific oil markets.
The World Bank said Pacific governments were increasingly turning to alternative energy sources, including biofuels, wind, solar and hydro systems.
The shift to renewables may help to address the need for energy which was cleaner and easier to generate in remote areas.
The main points
- Tonga has three years to meet its renewable energy goals.
- Deputy Prime Minister Siaosi Sovaleni told Radio Tonga the government wanted to achieve its goals.
- It wants to generate half the kingdom’s power from renewable sources by 2020.
- It now produces 11 percent from renewable sources.
For more information
