May 29th, 2015
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Japan handover the Mata ‘o e La’a Solar Generation Facility for Tonga
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On May 29, His Majesty King Tupou VI officially opened the Mata ‘o e La’a Solar Generation Facility and Popua Micro-grid Control System funded by the Government of Japan, for the Kingdom of Tonga. Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u Tuku’aho also attended the opening ceremony held at 10:00am, from the facility site at Vaini, Tongatapu.
- His Excellency Mr. Yukio Numata, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga along with Honourable Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Tonga, Hon. Tevita ‘Unga, Lord Tu’ivakano, Speaker of Tonga’s Legislative Assembly attended the ceremony amongst other notable guests. In the remarks from H.E Mr. Yukio Numata he stated that a US$14.7million dollars was funded through JICA for the construction of these complexes. “The solar farm and the system to connect existing and prospecting renewable energy complexes, is Japan’s contribution to sustainability in Tonga,” added Ambassador Numata.
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The official opening mark completion of constructing the first Micro-Grid Control System for Tonga, a technology that provides intelligent power management; installation of a 15km long of fibre–optic cable connecting the Mata ‘o e La’a Solar Generation Facility in Vaini village and the Maama Mai Solar Farm in Popua village and the 1megawatt solar facility.
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Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Deputy Prime Minister of Tonga in his keynote address acknowledged that it is a historical day as Tonga continues to get safe, secure and affordable power, let alone contributing to the target of 50% renewable energy generation by 2020. The Mata ‘o e La’a Solar Generation Facility and the Popua Microgrid control System is expected to support Tonga’s effort to implement the Tonga Energy Roadmap, and portrays Japan’s determined commitment to contribute to the betterment of welfare of the People in the Kingdom of Tonga.
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