Students design renewables technology to assist Tonga

Five University of Canterbury (UC) electrical engineering students have assisted the local power company in Tonga to investigate various renewable energy projects.

According to the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, different options including wind power, tidal energy and solar power were modelled for three different island groups: Ha’apai, Vava’u and Tongatapu.

The trip allowed the students to present their research findings and project modelling to representatives from Tonga’s state-owned electricity company, Tonga Power.

Andrew Lapthorn from UC’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering said: “It’s vastly different from New Zealand in terms of the resources available. Up until a few years ago, all the electricity generated in Tonga was from diesel power generators, but this is uneconomical due to the cost of shipping fossil fuels and generator maintenance.

“Adding more renewable generation can help insulate the community from oil price changes. Our students looked at various storage options, as well as gauging how much energy each different option could produce.”

One location tested for tidal generation gave good levels of energy, but again the economics of producing it meant it wasn’t a feasible option, according to UC.

The most efficient method is solar power, and the UC students were able to help make recommendations about size and location of panels as part of UC’s continuing relationship with Tonga Power.

Image: University of Canterbury