|
The construction of the solar plant at Vaini is expected to start early next year.
The Japanese Government through the Japanese International Cooperation Association (JICA) agreed to provide full grant funding for the Vaini solar project in Tongatapu.
The contract for design, procurement of materials and construction was signed by the successful tenderers NBK
Corporation, Fuji Electric Company Ltd and Tonga Power Limited on 20th November 2013
The evaluation meetings with the successful bidder were attended by Tonga Power‟s Generation Manager Michael Lani „Ahokava and the Finance Manager, Steven „Esau to evaluate bids and clarify the details of the project and sign the contract for delivery of the solar plant.
The solar project will provide approximately 3% of Tonga Power‟s electricity needs and will also help manage the efficient operation of the existing diesel generators at Popua. This is almost the same as the Maama Mai solar facility commissioned in July 2012, which over the last year saved 540, 000 litres of diesel per year.
This project is also expected to reduce dependency on diesel power generation for the country‟s power supply and alleviates the risk of inflation of electricity charges.
Tonga Power CEO, John van Brink said, "We have full confidence in NBK-Fuji providing a world class generation facility, they have significant experience in developing similar systems in other small island grids and have a clear understanding of our needs. This project will not only provide much needed renewable energy generation to Tongatapu, but will also provide the control systems and power conditioning equipment to enable future additions of renewable generation without negatively impacting on quality of electricity supply to our customers. The generous support of the Government of Japan is greatly appreciated."
The construction of the Japanese Government funded solar project is due to commence early next year. The project will provide a 1 MW solar farm at Vaini, along with control systems and energy management equipment at Vaini and at the Popua power station. The control systems can make up for fluctuating output of renewable energy and stabilize the grid power generation.
NBK and Fuji Consortium won the contract to construct the Vaini Solar and micro grid connection from the Popua solar farm in 2014 after a competitive 6-month tender process.
The project is managed by Yachiyo Engineering Company, a consultancy firm from Japan who will be responsible for monitoring the project to its completion.
In preparation for the construction, the land has been cleared at the Vaini project site and the first project meeting is scheduled for early December 2013. Project completion is scheduled for March 2015.
ENDS.
For more information please contact:
Jane Guttenbeil
Tonga Power Limited
P: (+676) 21400
E: jguttenbeil@tongapower.to
W: www.tongapower.to
|