How much does electricity cost in Tonga?

According to UK-based aggregate website Cable, Tonga's electricity is the 13th most expensive in the world, at an average cost of US35 cents (52 cents) per kilowatt hour (kWh). The research, released in late 2021, analysed 230 countries and found Oceania was the most expensive region in the world, with an average of US30 cents per kWh.

How is energy collected in Tonga?

"There's a host of different ways to collect the energy, but the one in Tonga will be a point source absorber and it will sit in the water and move up and down as the wave passes over the top," he said. "Inside it is a generator that will spin and create electricity."

Could Tonga pioneer wave power technology in the Pacific?

Tonga could pioneer the use of wave power technology in the Pacific. (Supplied: SPTO) Power prices are affecting communities around the world and in the small island nation of Tonga — home to just over 100,000 people — they are feeling the pinch. "I think it's way too high.

Why are fewer Tongans using electricity?

Mapa Taumalolo says fewer Tongans are using electricity due to cost of living pressures. (Supplied: Linkedin) While some families are turning to solar, Mr Taumalolo said it didn't necessarily mean cheaper prices. "We do not have the right configuration and the right set up for the exact renewable energy system," he said.

Will renewables bring relief to vulnerable Tongans?

In March, it signed a memorandum of understanding with an Irish-based wave energy company called Seabased to develop a 10-megawatt wave power park off the main island of Tongatapu. Albert Vaea (far right) says he wants renewables to bring "meaningful relief" to vulnerable Tongans. (Supplied: Seabased)

How will a 'point source absorber' work in Tonga?

Ray Wills is the managing director of business advisory firm Future Smart, and chairs a number of green technology companies. "There's a host of different ways to collect the energy, but the one in Tonga will be a point source absorber and it will sit in the water and move up and down as the wave passes over the top," he said.