Expo targets renewable energy for Tongan businesses

Expo targets renewable energy for Tongan businesses

Tonga will hold its first Sustainable Energy Expo next week to raise awareness about energy efficient options for the private sector.

Organised by the Government’s Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM) initiative, the two-day event will be held on 12th to 13th April at the Fa’onelua Convention Centre, and will showcase the wide range of sustainable energy products and services available to Tongan consumers.

“It is a landmark event for Tonga and it shows that TERM is serious about a move towards sustainable energy for the nation,” says TERM program coordinator Mr Lano Fonua.

“Private sector investment and participation an important to achieving TERM’s goals and key to this plan is to promote the use of energy efficient products, and the use of renewable energy by the business community.”

Registration for the Expo is free of charge, although space is limited.

Up to 30 to 40 separate organisations are expected to join the event, which will feature stalls, exhibitions and demonstrations from local and international participants.

“It is also aimed at increasing public awareness about Tonga’s energy aims. Businesses can showcase what they can do for Tongan consumers, or see examples of other Tongan businesses already doing this,” says Mr Fonua.

“Given the high fuel price these days, the public are also urged to come and learn about the types of products they can use at home in order to save energy and money.”

Foreign suppliers taking part in the event will have the opportunity to liaise with Tongan business consumers and vice versa, as well as forge partnerships with local or regional agents.

The Government of Tonga developed TERM in 2009 in response to the twin challenges of cutting Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, and improving national energy security. TERM is a ten-year sector wide road map that aims to reduce Tonga's vulnerability to oil price shocks through the introduction of renewable energy and greater energy efficiency; and to achieve an increase in access to modern energy services in an environmentally sustainable way.

ENDS.

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