Tonga Power and Tonga Forest Products, both Government owned public enterprises, have entered into an arrangement to investigate joint development of wood-fired renewable generation. “Tonga Forest Products own management rights to sustain Tonga’s largest forestry plantation on ‘Eua Island”, according to their CEO, Mr, David Edwards. If viable, it is proposed that wood chips and waste be used from the forest to supply two new bio-mass generators on ‘Eua and Tongatapu.The venture would build on the relationship between the two companies, Tonga Forest Products already supplies Tonga Power with power poles from its ‘Eua forest. Tonga Power Chief Executive Officer Mr. John van Brink said, "While it is early days yet, the indications are that this project is commercially viable. Our Board is excited about the prospect of working with a sister company to deliver such a big saving in diesel imports, and to see 'Eua become virtually fully renewable"
The generation project has the potential to save over 1.5 million litres of diesel each year, and more importantly the wood waste will be locally supplied. This would not only mean a big reduction in Tonga’s reliance on imported fuels, it also means that Tonga Power will be purchasing some of its energy source from a sister public enterprise, keeping valuable funds within Tonga.A full feasibility study is underway to determine the viability of the scheme, and confirm whether the project is commercially viable. The key issues to address include a sustainable supply of fuel, the technology to use, funding, and producing a concept that is environmentally acceptable. The study is expected to reach a conclusion by January 2013.Tonga Power initiated a study earlier this year, which led to this next step of a full feasibility study and design. The Government of New Zealand has agreed to fund the feasibility study.This project will be a big step towards the drive to generate 50% of Tonga Power’s generation from renewable energy sources and could be operational as early as late 2013.