NEW PARTNERSHIP SIGNED ON THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF THE PCREEE

Pacific Energy Ministers launched the establishment of the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (PCREEE) in 2017. Hosted by the Pacific Community at Nuku’alofa, Tonga the PCREEE is working collaboratively with partners to accelerate the deployment of feasible renewable energy and energy efficient technologies throughout the Pacific Islands.

Coinciding with the 3^rd Anniversary of the PCREEE, the Pacific Community (SPC) and EcoCARE Pacific Trust have announced a new cooperation agreement to foster long-term collaboration on projects and issues relating to the sustainable development of the Kingdom of Tonga and other Pacific Island Countries.

The agreement, in the form of a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalises the mutual interaction and strengthens the existing relationship between SPC and EcoCARE at the strategic and working level, focusing on projects specifically relating to;

1. A renewable energy and energy efficiency programme for schools and educational institutions in Tonga.
2. Investments in sustainable energy
3. Capacity building and sustainable energy business start-ups.

EcoCARE Pacific Trust is a New Zealand registered charitable trust that has been involved in aid and development work in the Pacific island nations (particularly Tonga) since 2005. The mission of EcoCARE Pacific Trust is support the sustainable development of Tonga and other PICs in health, education and the environment through supporting individual and community empowerment through knowledge and capability building. 

SPC is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, proudly supporting development since 1947. It is an international development organisation owned and governed by 26 country and territory members.​ SPC ​​​​​works in more than 20 sectors including sustainable energy.

​Russell Taylor, CEO and Co-founder of EcoCARE Pacific Trust said:

“There is a real desire for effective and self-empowered development in Tonga. Development participants need to be joined up to ensure effective collaboration, and so more effective outcomes for the people of Tonga. I welcome this important initiative which formalises and strengthens the existing relationship between SPC and EcoCARE.”

Solomone Fifita, Manager of the Pacific Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency said:

“PCREEE is pleased to bring its in-depth knowledge of and expertise in the energy sector of Tonga and the region to its collaboration with EcoCARE. Capacity Building, entrepreneurship and private sector participation are key ingredients for sustainability in the energy sector and we look forward to working with EcoCARE in these key areas.”