By Ofa Sefana Off-grid electrification for development of small islands represents a number of unique challenges under the broad category of rural electrification. Small, off-grid island communities are particularly vulnerable to diesel price fluctuations and natural disasters, and thus, enhancing resilience through more sustainable and cheaper energy technologies should be a key priority. Financing the transition to these technologies – usually photovoltaic, micro-hydro or sometimes wind – is an essential hurdle to overcome. Once electricity systems are in place it is equally important that they are sustained in the longer term with effective arrangements for operation and maintenance, cost recovery etc. Related to this, is the productive use of the energy provided to increase islander incomes. The workshop on Bunaken Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia from 3 to 5 November 2015, organised by the Smart Villages Initiative in collaboration with Kopernik, will explore these issues and develop recommendations for policy makers, development agencies and other stakeholders in energy provision to island communities. More info: http://e4sv.org/events/off-grid-islands-electricity-workshop/

1. DEPARTMENT of ENERGY
TONGA
Ofa Sefana – Energy Planner

3. NATIONAL STRATEGIC RE/EE TARGETS - 2020
Renewable energy mix in power
generation of 50% by 2020  2012 =
0.02%, 2015 = 8.02%
Reduction of line losses  2012 =
14.8%, 2015 to 10.76%
Increase electricity access  2012 =
83%, 2015 = 89%
Energy Efficiency / DSM  currently
determining

4. CONCERNED NATIONAL OUTCOMES
a more inclusive, sustainable and
balanced urban and rural development
across island groups
a more inclusive, sustainable and
empowering human development with
gender equality
a more inclusive, sustainable and
successful provision and maintenance
of infrastructure and technology

5. KEY KNOWN FACTS – BASELINE INFORMATION
- Heavily rely on
external assistance
- Each household spent
USD8.00 on Kerosene
for lighting every
month
- Every 200 people
spent 15ltrs of diesel
on water pumping
- Less commercial
activities due to high
fuel costs
- They know each other
well and related to
each other
- Needs/expectations
usually high compare
to capabilities
- Lack of appropriate
technical /managerial
skills hence external
assistance will always
be needed.

6. KEY KNOWN FACTS – BASELINE INFORMATION
- Inter-island
transportation is so
costly hence
operational costs are
usually high.
- Remote/Rural
Communities can’t
afford a 24hr full
service supply of
electricity.
- Communities must
also be part of
designing processes.
- Ownership must me
very clear
- A set of guideline/
policy must be in
place with the consent
of all parties.
- Rules/policy must be
enforced
- Clear responsibilities
must be in place as
well
- User agreement must
be made

7. OFF-GRID ELECTRIFICATION TYPE - TONGA

8. PV S

9. MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

10. FIELD EXPERIENCES &
PRODUCTIVE USE OF RE

14. SHS

15. SPS

16. SFS

17. MGS
 4 Mini-Grid Systems will be built in 2016
Diesel/Approx. half a megawatt peak PV
installation

18. Environmental Precaution Measures

19. CORRESPONDING ACTIVITIES
 Develop education materials for SHS, SFS, SPS and
MGS for operators, TVET, users and to assist
Teachers/students’ research projects– on local
language as well.
 Assist private companies and individuals with RE
incentives and capacity development.
 Policy formulation/Regulatory development – TERM
2010/RE Act 2010 is in place to guide sector
development
 Public awareness campaign
 Business training for rural/remote communities

20. THANK YOU
Stay Safe!!
Stay Green!!