Niuafo’ou Hybrid Minigrid Launched to Provide 24/7 Clean Energy

:ADB, Tonga, and Australia Collaborate on Renewable Energy Project to Deliver Reliable Electricity and Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence

The Niuafo’ou hybrid minigrid, part of the cofinanced Tonga Renewable Energy Project, has been officially commissioned, marking a major milestone in Tonga’s journey towards sustainable energy. This new hybrid grid will deliver clean, reliable, and efficient electricity around the clock to the people and businesses on the remote island of Niuafo’ou, significantly improving energy access and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

The commissioning ceremony was led by Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala and Crown Princess Sinaitakala Tuku’aho, joined by key dignitaries including ADB Senior Country Officer Balwyn Fa’otusia, Australian High Commissioner for Tonga Brek Batley, and Tonga's Minister for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Risk Management, Environment, Climate Change, and Communication, Fekita ‘Utoikamanu.

“Tonga is obviously preparing for a renewable energy future by reducing dependence on fossil fuels and initiating projects like the Tonga Renewable Energy Project,” said Keiju Mitsuhashi, Director of ADB’s Energy Sector Group. “ADB will continue to support Tonga’s energy transition ambition through accelerating renewable energy investment and strengthening the transmission and distribution network.”

The Niuafo’ou hybrid minigrid is just one element of the larger Tonga Renewable Energy Project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at transitioning the nation toward renewable energy. The project has already seen significant achievements, including the successful installation of a battery energy storage system and the modernization of Tonga Power Limited’s (TPL) central control center on the main island of Tongatapu. It has also included the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) plants and battery storage systems on the islands of ‘Eua and Vava’u. In addition, hybrid minigrid systems are being developed for eight other outer islands in the Ha’apai and Vava’u Groups.

A key goal of the Tonga Renewable Energy Project is to assist the country in achieving 70% renewable energy penetration by 2025. To support this, the project is helping Tonga Power Limited (TPL) prepare a power purchase agreement (PPA) that will attract private sector investment, accelerating the shift away from fossil fuels. The project’s hybrid minigrid systems and renewable energy initiatives are intended to help Tonga become more resilient against energy supply disruptions and lessen its environmental impact.

The project is cofinanced by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Green Climate Fund, and the governments of Tonga and Australia, with Tonga Power Limited also playing a crucial role. The total cost of the Tonga Renewable Energy Project is $53.2 million, with $12.2 million sourced from the Asian Development Fund (ADF), a grant mechanism that supports ADB’s most vulnerable and least developed member countries.

The success of this initiative signals a significant step forward for Tonga’s energy sector, offering greater reliability, efficiency, and sustainability in electricity supply. It also showcases the island nation’s commitment to combating climate change through reducing its carbon footprint and promoting the use of renewable energy. Moving forward, Tonga and its partners will continue working on advancing renewable energy infrastructure, ensuring long-term benefits for both the environment and the Tongan people.