Sustainable Energy Expo boosts energy awareness in Tonga

Sustainable Energy Expo boosts energy awareness in Tonga

MEDIA RELEASE

Innovative schemes aimed at saving energy and cutting costs drew hundreds to Tonga’s first Sustainable Energy Expo, held in Nuku’alofa this week.

Organised by the Government’s Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM) initiative, the event on the 12th and 13th of April brought together local agencies, foreign suppliers, and members of the general public to witness the variety of energy efficient options available to Tongan businesses and homes.

“This EXPO is part of the [TERM] initiative to try and help Tonga reduce its energy costs, reduce its green house gas emissions and increase the opportunities and standard of living of its people,” said Minister for Finance and National Planning, Hon. Sunia Fili at the welcome reception.

“The Government is taking the issue of rising energy costs very seriously and the Road Map is our plan to address this challenge.”

More than 20 stalls – 11 of them local, along with participants from Australia, New Zealand and Fiji – featured energy-smart products such as solar power systems, energy efficient home appliances, and information on hybrid cars.

Larger projects included solar electrification in the outer islands by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change; wind and solar powered communications centres by Tonga Communications Corporation; a bio-fuel proposal from Fiji-based Niu Industries to convert coconut oil into diesel fuel, and from New Zealand’s Bio Pacific Energy, a plan to create electricity out of waste products.

“I think the EXPO achieved its goal in beginning to create energy awareness among the general public and private sector,” said TERM project coordinator Mr Lano Fonua.

“There was a lot of serious interest from local businesses and we’ve had great feedback from all the exhibitors. We feel we can improve on this and reach even more people next time we hold this event.”

TERM now operates under the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources.

ENDS

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