Meidecc partners with EU to develop Tonga’s first Energy Bill

15th August, 2019 A National Energy Bill for Tonga is expected to accelerate efforts to achieve the renewable energy target of 50% by 2020. The European Union (EU) today signed a contract with MEIDECC’s Department of Energy to develop the first bill for Tonga’s energy sector at MEIDECC’s conference room this morning.

CEO for MEIDECC Mr Paula Ma’u said, “It is important for Tonga to have this bill in order to have a secure, sustainable, cleaner and green energy source. It will also help us to mitigate the effects of climate change as our shores are slowly taken up by the sea.”

He said that Tonga is grateful for the opportunity granted by the EU to build a more sustainable energy sector in Tonga.

Team Leader for Climate Change, Energy, and Circular Economy at the Delegation of the EU for the Pacific Mr. Adrian Nicolae said partnership with Tonga is important for the EU as they put strong emphasis on capacity building and good legal framework.

“It is from my point of view, having a clear but fit for purpose legal framework is as important as the actual investments on the ground to help around the system and the economic side of it will reflect the cost of the maintenance of the system.”

The bill will review, reform and incorporate relevant legislation such as the Renewable Energy Act, Petroleum Act, Electricity Act, Electrical Wiring By-Laws, Electric Power Board (Electrical Contractor) By-Laws, Electric Power Board (Submarine Cables) By Laws and a legal framework for the regulation of gas.