9 May 2013
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From left to right: John van Brink, CEO, Tonga Power Ltd, Hon. Fe’aomoeata Vakata, Minister for Public Enterprises, Lord Luani, Noble for Nakolo, Hon. Samiu Vaipulu, Deputy Prime Minister, Carl Sanft, Chairman of the Board, Tonga Power Ltd, Lord Dalgety, CEO, Electricity Commission, Michael Lani ‘Ahokava, Generation Manager, Tonga Power Ltd, Murray Sheerin, Power Station Superintendent and Outer Islands Manager, Tonga Power Ltd, Setitaia Chen, Planning and Designing Manager, Tonga Power Ltd.
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Tonga’s first wind turbine project built by Tonga Power Limited was officially recognised today in a dedication ceremony. The event marked the beginning of the construction phase of an 11 kW wind turbine in the village of Nakolo at the eastern side of Tongatapu.
The Prime Minister, Lord Tu’ivakano and honourable guests attended the celebration along with other representatives from the Government of Tonga.
In his address to the gathering, the Minister for Public Enterprises, Hon. Vakata said, “Today marks an important milestone in the development of wind generation in Tonga”.
“The vision and targets for reducing diesel fuel use have been set by Government and captured through the Tonga Energy Road Map (TERM). The true value of this project here in Nakolo is the experience that the staff of TPL will gain in not only installing this wind turbine but also in the operation and maintenance”, said Hon. Vakata.
“The wind turbines are Danish designed to perform in low wind speed for which the Gaia-Wind 11 kW is eminently suited.” says Michael Lani ‘Ahokava, Tonga Power Limited Generation Manager.
Tonga currently generates electricity from costly imported diesel fuel. As the country’s first wind turbine project, this project is an important step towards the Tongan Government’s renewable energy targets.
The facility will generate 27, 000 kWhrs of electricity annually for the next 15 years. It will save approximately 6,750 litres of diesel each year for electricity generation.
Construction on the project has begun and is expected to finish in late May. The commissioning of the wind turbine will be June and Tonga Power Limited will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facility.
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Foundation for the Wind Turbine in Nakolo, May 9, 2013.
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Wind Turbine Tower at Nakolo, May 9, 2013.
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ENDS
For further information contact:
Jane Guttenbeil
Communications Advisor
Tonga Power Limited
E: jguttenbeil@tongapower.to
link to: http://matangitonga.to/2013/05/09/tongas-first-wind-turbine-start-june