Gulf News reported that Masdar has signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Tonga, represented through the Tonga Energy Road Map Implementation Unit, for the construction of a 500 kW 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, the solar plant will deliver around 13% of Tonga's annual electricity demand.

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.

Mr Lord Ma'afu, Tonga's minister of lands, survey, natural resources, energy, environment and climate change, said that "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% 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 liters of diesel fuel."

(Sourced from www.gulfnews.com)