King George Tupou 5th urged the Legislative Assembly to consider his suggestion in his opening address and says nuclear power could help reduce dependency on diesel fuel
– By Chris Smith –
King George Tupou , the King of Tonga says nuclear power could provide part of the solution to the Kingdom’s energy needs in addition to renewable sources like solar and wind power. Currently the nation neither imports nor exports electricity. Current power production stands at 43 million kWh while consumption is rated at 39.99 million kWh.
King George Tupou 5th urged the Legislative Assembly to consider his suggestion in his opening address and says nuclear power could help reduce dependency on diesel fuel.
The Prime Minister’s advisor, Lopeti Senituli, says nuclear power was not previously included in Tonga’s energy plan which sets energy targets over the next ten years.
“Now his majesty has suggested that we should also consider nuclear energy. He has not given any specific targets, dates or deadlines, so there’s nothing concrete at this stage.”
Lopeti Senituli says the King’s suggestions need to be discussed with Tonga’s development partners. The World Bank has pledged support for Tonga’s Energy Road Map.
Tonga – unique among Pacific nations – never completely lost its indigenous governance. The archipelagos of "The Friendly Islands" were united into a Polynesian kingdom in 1845. Tonga became a constitutional monarchy in 1875 and a British protectorate in 1900; it withdrew from the protectorate and joined the Commonwealth of Nations in 1970. Tonga remains the only monarchy in the Pacific.
Agricultural exports, including fish, make up two-thirds of total exports. The country must import a high proportion of its food, mainly from New Zealand. The country remains dependent on external aid and remittances from Tongan communities overseas to offset its trade deficit. Tourism is the second-largest source of hard currency earnings following remittances. Tonga had 39,000 visitors in 2006. The government is emphasizing the development of the private sector, especially the encouragement of investment, and is committing increased funds for health and education. Tonga has a reasonably sound basic infrastructure and well developed social services. High unemployment among the young, a continuing upturn in inflation, pressures for democratic reform, and rising civil service expenditures are major issues facing the government.