Masdar to build solar power plant in Tonga

Masdar signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tonga, represented through the Tonga Energy Road Map Implementation Unit (TERM IU) for the construction of a 500kW solar photovoltaic power plant. Masdar will be in charge of the implementation and construction of the solar photovoltaic power plant to be installed in Vava'u Island. The project, financed by a grant provided by Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the solar plant will deliver around 13 per cent of Tonga's annual electricity demand. Social benefits Article continues below Commissioning the photovoltaic power plant is part of the Tonga Energy Road Map — a ten-year plan to increase the quality of access to modern energy services through an environmentally sustainable manner. Tonga's Minister of lands, survey, natural resources, energy, environment and climate change Lord Ma'afu said: "The project is another strong demonstration of His Majesty's commitment to promoting climate change mitigation through clean energy reform and by integrating green power generation to produce 13 per cent of the annual electricity demand. The project will also result in strong social and economic benefits through a reduction in the price of electricity and saving 180,000 litres of diesel fuel."