Meridian to utilise solar expertise in Tonga

Meridian Energy welcomed New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully’s support for a solar power plant in Tonga.

The New Zealand Government has pledged to provide partial funding through its overseas aid programme, with the remainder proposed to be financed by Meridian and other donors.

“It’s a unique opportunity for Meridian to extend its solar programme and build our capability in the Pacific. The benefits of integrating solar to displace diesel fired electricity generation in Pacific Island systems are obvious and significant. This project in Tonga would also help us establish a model for accelerating the development of renewables in the region," said Meridian’s CE Tim Lusk said.

“We are working closely with Tonga Power to complete all of the technical and commercial aspects of the project with a view to achieving commitment to construction from both companies by the end of this year,” said Mr Lusk.

The construction of the 1 mega watt plant could meet up to five percent of Tongatapu’s electricity demand and supports the Tongan Government's 10 year Energy Road Map strategy to move away from expensive imported diesel in favour of renewable energy.

Meridian’s solar programme is focused on participation in viable offshore solar markets with a view to building capability and bringing it home to New Zealand when commercially feasible.

In May 2010 Meridian commissioned its first solar power plant, with its US subsidiary’s 5 MW CalRENEW-1 facility connected to the California electric grid.

“The experience we’re currently gaining from our solar business in the US enables us to grow our expertise and deliver great benefits for our Pacific neighbours now, with a view to ultimately bringing this technology home,” added Mr Lusk.