King Tupou VI opened and named the plant
State-owned New Zealand utility Meridian Energy Ltd have announced the completion of Tonga’s first renewable energy project, the ‘Maama Mai’ Solar Farm.
Amongst the 260 guests attending the ceremony, was the King of Tonga, His Majesty, who chose the name for the solar project meaning ‘let there be light’. Up until this point, the island nation has been completely reliant on imported diesel fuel for all of its electricity generation. The new solar project is an important step towards the kingdom’s renewable energy plans.
Construction of the project was realised through funding from the New Zealand Aid Programme and a collaboration of skills between Meridian, Reid Technology, North Power and Fletcher Construction.
Meridian’s Chief Executive Mark Binns said, “Today we’re celebrating the result of a successful collaborative alliance with the New Zealand and Tongan Governments and Tonga Power.” “Tonga can be proud to be at the forefront of solar generation in the Pacific and can look forward to a better renewable energy future,” he said.Construction of the 1-MW power project began in November last year and the solar park is expected to go live in early August. The project was completed under budget and on time. Meridian will provide asset management and maintenance support for five years, at which time, Tonga Power will take full ownership of the solar farm, providing all operations and maintenance.The new facility will be able to produce 1880 megawatt hours of electricity each year, supplying 4 per cent of Tonga’s main island, Tongatapu’s electricity demand.