Solomon Islands Deputy Prime Minister, Hon Manasseh Maelanga, has spoken highly of Tonga’s Energy Road Map describing it as “a new ray of light in the development of renewable energy in the pacific Kingdom”.
Hon. Maelanga made the comments when speaking at the opening of the Pacific Leaders Energy Summit in Nukualofa, Kingdom of Tonga last week.
“When it comes to energy development we have experienced many shortcomings in the region. The Tonga Energy Road Map is a success story that we are hearing today”, said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Despite the success, Hon. Maelanga warned all Development Partners at the Pacific Leaders Energy Summit that apart from renewable energy there are other development priorities for the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga and as such all Development Partners should be supporting the implementation of these development priorities with equal emphasis, vigor and excitement.
Speaking of Solomon Islands, the Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the Government is now developing its Renewable Energy Investment Plan with support of the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
He also highlighted that the Solomon Islands Government in partnership with the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is also developing its Energy Efficiency Investment Plan and Petroleum Investment Plan.
“These investment plans will form the basis of our Road Map for Energy Development in the country,” he said.
At the conclusion of the Pacific Leaders Energy Summit, the Deputy Prime Minister flew to Auckland, New Zealand, for the Pacific Energy Summit which opens on Monday, 25 March 2013.
Hon Maelanga was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Mr. Rence Sore and Director of the Energy Division Mr. John Korinihona.
Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit