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| Hon. Tevita Lavemaau, Mr. Robert Matthews, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni, Hon. Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa, Hon. ‘Akilisi Pohiva, HE Gerard Tiedemann, HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Hon. Saia Piukala, Hon. Semisi Fakahau, Hon. Poasi Tei, Hon. Mateni Tapueluelu, Dr. Sione Lee Taione during the inauguration ceremony of the Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital in Neiafu, Vava’u on July 3rd, 2017. |
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The completion of the roof top solar at the Prince Wellington Ngu Hospital was officially inaugurated
on July 3rd in Vava’u by the Crown Prince, Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala. |
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In October 2016, a contract agreement was signed between HE Gerard Tiedemann, Ambassador for
the Federal Republic of Germany to Tonga and the Ministry of Health for the supply and installation
of a 20KW solar system at the hospital. |
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The 70 solar panel project complete with 96 kWh battery storage and inverters, was funded by the
Federal Republic of Germany through a grant of 100,000 EURO which is approximately T$250,000
pa’anga. |
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The project is expected to reduce the hospital’s electricity consumption which in return will increase
savings that can be allocated to benefit the hospital. |
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According to Tonga Power’s CEO, Mr. Robert Matthews, the solar panels are expected to generate
over 30,000 kW of electricity per year which if fully utilized by the hospital, then 43% of the
consumption could be met by the solar. |
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He said, “More than 91% of Tonga’s overall grid-connected electricity demand is supplied by
generators fuelled with diesel and the Vava’u hospital solar project contributes towards the
Government’s overall objective of reducing reliance on costly imported diesel for power generation. |
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| He added. “This is yet another example of the Government’s effort to meet its 50% renewable target by 2020” |
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| The rooftop solar system will be connected to the local grid, giving the hospital a new level of energy independence and sustainability. |
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| HE Gerard Tiedemann said, “A projects of this nature really make a difference to the Island communities. The Federal Republic of Germany is honoured to have provided 100% grant funding for this important hospital installation and I am looking forward to working with the Government of Tonga on other targeted and innovative initiatives in the future”. |
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| Present at the ceremony was the guest of honour HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala, Prime Minister of Tonga, Hon Akilisi Pohiva, HE Gerard Tiedemann, Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany, Ministers of the Crown and distinguished guests. |
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