Tonga to become 1st Pacific country to experiment with wave technology

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Tonga is set to become the first Pacific country to experiment with wave technology to meet its energy needs.

Work will commence on a 10MW power park later this year, which will capture energy from ocean waves and turn it into electricity.

Rising energy bills have led to a crippling cost of living crisis, leading the kingdom of just more than 109,000 people to look for alternatives.

The government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ireland's Seabased energy firm to set up the park.

In March, Internal Affairs Minister Albert Vaea said Tonga faces some of the highest energy costs in the world, affecting its population in the form of high fuel, food, water, medicinal, transportation, and other costs, but renewable technologies could bring some relief.

Vaea said the initial park will generate 2MW and is projected to save Tonga $2 million in foreign exchange, reduce carbon emissions and generate power for 2,800 homes.

Phase two will include 8 additional megawatts, and save $10.5 million and up to 42 million liters of fuel, he added.

The project is expected to provide half of Tonga's energy needs and cut emissions by 20%.