King Tupou VI commissioned the Ii ‘o Manumataongo Wind Generation System

10^th July 2019 His Majesty King Tupou VI commissioned Tonga’s first large-scale wind farm project the Ii ‘o Manumataongo wind generation system this morning at Niutoua Village.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga H.E. Mr. Tetsuya Ishii, said the project is approximately 42 million Tongan pa’anga and it took 10 months to complete. The 1.3 MW Wind Power System will be the first ever Wind Power Project of Japan’s Grant Aids in the World.

This Wind Power Plant will cut the cost of Tonga’s diesel fuel import for the existing thermal plant 1.5 million Tongan pa’anga per year. “This wind power plant will be a solid foundation for Tonga’s economy, because the fluctuating trends of the world oil market will not affect it. I am certain that it will greatly contribute to Tonga’s National Finance.”

He highlighted the facts about the wind turbines that it can be folded away in advance to avoid damages from the rages of a cyclone. Also, the maintenance work can be done just 3 meters above the ground due to the current elevation level of Tonga Power Limited’s work vehicles.

“I sincerely wish that your newly acquired expertise will continue to flourish through hard work, and kindly ensure to hand on your skills and techniques to the next generation.”

CEO of Tonga Power Limited Mr. Setitaia Chen stated that the angle speed of the wind turbine is over 70meters per second.

CEO for MEIDECC Mr. Paula Pouvalu Ma’u in his welcoming address emphasized the importance of achieving the targets of 50% by 2020, 70% by 2030, and 100% by 2035 through close collaboration with development partners.

“With the installation of these renewable energy technologies, and with the kind assistance of Japan, it will not only give us much assurance of achieving our national targets and contributing to the global efforts as I have just alluded to, but it will provide us also with reliable, secure, affordable, and sustainable clean energy and greener Tonga.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism & Infrastructure and Acting Minister for Public Enterprises  Hon. Semisi Sika stated the grand opening ceremony of the Ii ‘o Manumataongo wind generation system, marks a significant milestone and tangible process towards the Government’s overall objective, of reducing reliance on costly imported diesel, and most importantly combating climate change through substantial.

After the grand opening ceremony; Their Majesties King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau’u, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism & Infrastructure and Acting Minister for Public Enterprises Hon. Semisi Sika, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga H.E. Mr. Tetsuya Ishii and his wife at Niutoua

“It is clear that progress towards our goal of generating 50% of grid-based electricity from renewable energy sources and achieving a 50% reduction in diesel consumption by 2020.”

He expressed his gratitude and thankfulness on behalf of the Government of Tonga to NBK Corporation, Nishizawa Limited, and Progressive Energy Corporation, for cultivating a good relationship in Tonga and the Pacific.

ENDS

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Source: Government of the Kingdom of Tonga