Overall Objective

GGGI is working with Tonga to implement its NDC and build climate resilience through the review and update of the Tonga Energy Road Map and the preparation of a Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS). GGGI will further work with the Tongan Government to identify and implement opportunities for inclusive, low carbon and resilient green growth in Tonga in the energy, transport, and green cities sectors.

Strategic Outcome Targets

GHG Reductions In Progress
Green Jobs In Progress
Sustainable Services In Progress
Enhanced Adaptation to Climate Change In Progress

Themes

Contact
Daniel Muñoz-Smith

Country Representative, Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu

Resource Partner

GGGI Core Funding

Government Counterpart

Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change and Communications

Context

The Kingdom of Tonga is a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) in the Pacific region that is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including cyclones, coral bleaching, and changing rainfall patterns.

Tonga is committed to building greater resilience to the increasing risks of climate change through sustainable development. The Kingdom’s Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025, and 2015 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), express a commitment to mitigate climate change and pursue inclusive and equitable economic growth. With a small export economy, risks to agriculture, including changing rainfall patterns, present a significant threat to Tonga’s economic development. While high cost of imported fossil fuel presents a constraint to energy use for economic growth.

 

Access to reliable and affordable clean energy is a key part of building Tonga’s resilience to climate change. The Tonga Energy Road Map 2010-2020 (TERM) highlights that, in 2000, 75 percent of Tonga’s energy supply was from imported petroleum fuels. In the power sector, grid supplied energy accounts for 98 percent of electricity, all of which was generated using diesel in 2000. While nearly 90 percent of households are connected to the grid, and in rural areas most households have been electrified using solar home systems and micro-grids, access to affordable electricity is an issue, particular due to Tonga’s reliance on imported fuels and the high upfront capital cost of switching to renewable energy sources.

Under the TERM and NDC, Tonga has committed to 50 percent renewable energy generation by 2020, with landfill gas, biomass, wind, and solar energy considered as sources. It is essential that Tonga moves away from reliance on fossil fuels, diversifies its energy generation options, and develops renewable energy resources. Since 2000, a series of grid-connected solar and wind energy projects have introduced a share of approximately 11 percent renewable electricity in the Tongan grid with plans for further solar, wind and storage technologies to continue to boost the share of renewables and reach the 50 percent renewable energy generation target by 2020. However, there still remains work to be done given Tonga is also looking to increase its ambition and commit to up to 75 percent renewable electricity generation by 2030.

GGGI is supporting Tonga to pursue inclusive green growth and build resilience to climate change with a focus on enhancing infrastructure, improving energy security, increasing renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies, including for the transport sector, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

News

News • November 30, 2022

EIT Climate-KIC partners with Global Green Growth Institute to launch a Blue Economy Accelerator in the Pacific

SUVA, FIJI – 22 November 2022 – Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) signed a partnership agreement today with EIT Climate-KIC, supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland (‘Irish Aid’), to deliver the Blue Economy ClimAccelerator program in the Pacific Islands. The five-month program will run from January to May 2023 and […]

News • October 17, 2022

Tonga adopts policies to achieve NDC targets and Renewable Energy goals

Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuesday September 23rd, 2022. The Honorable Samiu Kuita (Acting Prime Minister), Chief Executive Officer, Paula Ma’u for the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), His Excellency Matthew Howell New Zealand’s High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga and Global Green Growth Institute´s (GGGI) Director […]

News • August 2, 2022

CFAN Pacific Advisors Gather in Fiji to Advance Pipeline of Regional Climate Projects

July 22, 2022 – The Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN) convened partners, regional stakeholders, and its Pacific advisor cohort in Suva, Fiji to advance a diverse pipeline of regional climate  projects. CFAN, an initiative established to unlock access to climate finance through building lasting regional capacity, marked the conclusion of its inaugural training program and […]

News • July 26, 2022

GGGI and UNCDF expand their partnership to support small green businesses in the Pacific

Suva, Fiji – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) signed an amendment to their existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand areas of cooperation on 29th June. The document was signed virtually by Gerard O’Donoghue, on behalf of GGGI Director General and Mr Bram Peters, Regional Manager-Pacific of UNCDF. The […]

News • June 17, 2022

Two Tongan green enterprises win USD5,000 each in seed grants through the Mafoa ‘Ae Ata – Youth Innovation Challenge Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator program

NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA: Saturday, 11th June 2022 – Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Inc. (TYEE) in collobration with Partners Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI)’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN), Breadfruit Consulting and supported by Solutions Consulting House held a Graduation Ceremony for the first Mafoa ‘a e Ata (MAA) – Youth Innovation Challenge Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator […]

News • April 5, 2022

Six inspirational Pacific Women share their stories during “Women in Green Innovation in the Pacific” virtual ‘Talanoa’

8th March 2022 – Over 100 attendees from across the Pacific joined the virtual “Women in Green Innovation in the Pacific” virtual ‘talanoa’ hosted by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and partners Emstret Space, Greenhouse Co-working, Samoa Business Hub, Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship and Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce & Industry in a special […]

News • March 4, 2022

Upcoming Virtual Event: Women in Green Innovation in the Pacific

GGGI’s Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network is excited to share with you our upcoming virtual talanoa session on ‘Women in Green Innovation’ in collaboration with our partners Emstret Space, Greenhouse Coworking, Samoa Business Hub, Tonga Youth Employment & Entrepreneurship and Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in honour of International Women’s Day on 8th March. The […]

News • February 28, 2022

Climate Finance Advisors begin training to increase access to finance in the Pacific

February 1, 2022 – The Climate Finance Access Network (CFAN), coordinated by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), and in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), has onboarded its first cohort of advisors for the Pacific region. The Climate Finance Advisors, specifically trained and will be embedded and support Fiji, Kiribati, Papua New Guinea, […]

News • November 15, 2021

Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator Program Launches in 6 Countries

We are pleased to announce that the Pacific Greenpreneurs Incubator Program 2021 has successfully kicked off in six countries! Sixty-eight green enterprises across six countries make up the 2021 cohort, of whom two-thirds are women-led (68%) and youth-led (62%) and supporting 133 entrepreneurs between them. Early-stage purpose-driven enterprises with social and/or environmental impact were selected […]

News • October 22, 2021

Tonga Validates its draft NDC Implementation Roadmap and NDC Investment Plan

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – As a follow-up to the national consultation workshop in August this year, the Tonga Department of Climate Change with support from the Regional Pacific NDC Hub through its implementing partner the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), hosted a national validation workshop with national experts on 21 October 2021. The aim of this […]

News • October 16, 2021

Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE) and GGGI sign MoU on Green Entrepreneurship and Green Growth Cooperation

NUKU’ALOFA, Wednesday, October 13, 2021 – Today marked the unique joint implementation of the Global Green Growth Institute’s (GGGI) Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network (PGEN) Program with their local partner on the ground, Tonga Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship (TYEE). The MoU was signed virtually by Dr. Frank Rijsberman, Director-General of GGGI, and Lusia Latu-Jones, President/Director of […]

News • September 23, 2021

GGGI participates in virtual Commemoration of the UN Day on South-South Cooperation and Intergovernmental Organisations

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) contributed insights on SMEs and Entrepreneurship for COVID-19 recovery during the Commemoration of the UN Day on South-South Cooperation and Intergovernmental Organisations Virtual Meeting in Asia- Pacific 2021 held on September 14, 2021, hosted by United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). Keynote addresses were delivered by Mr. António […]

News • August 26, 2021

Tonga takes a step forward into implementing the TERMPlus for a cleaner and more inclusive energy sector.

Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga, Tuesday August 24th, 2021. Her Excellency Tiffany Babington (New Zealand High Commissioner to Tonga), Chief Executive Officer, Paula Ma`u for Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC), and GGGI´s Country Representative for Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji and Kiribati, Daniel Muñoz-Smith, launched today their collaboration for the project titled […]

News • July 30, 2021

Launch of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network

Join GGGI Pacific for the Launch of the Pacific Green Entrepreneurs Network Happening on 4th August 2021 at 11am (FJT) Launch Webinar Registration Link Event Program Link What can you expect from the event? Learn details about our incubator and accelerator programs including how to apply, ask any questions about the program and hear about […]

News • June 16, 2021

Tonga commences development of its NDC Implementation Roadmap and NDC Investment Plan

Nuku’alofa, Tonga – On 27 May 2021, the Tonga Department of Climate Change at the Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications (MEIDECC) hosted a national, virtual inception workshop to kick-start work on developing Tonga’s NDC Implementation Roadmap and NDC Investment Plan (with project pipeline). Delivered by the Global Green […]

News • May 4, 2021

Tonga launches the TERM Plus Framework setting 70% and 100% Renewable Goals

Nuku’alofa, Tonga; April 28, 2021– Tonga, with GGGI’s support, opened strong in 2021 with the launch of the Tonga Energy Road Map 2021-2035 (TERM-PLUS) Framework. The Framework is designed to be a living document that will provide the foundation for the TERM-PLUS poised to be completed later this year. This Framework also sets in motion […]

News • April 13, 2021

The NDC Hub launches 10-year Strategy for Climate Action in the Pacific

Suva, Fiji – Chair of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), and Fijian Prime Minister, Hon. Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, officially launched the Strategy 2030 of the Regional Pacific NDC Hub on April 8, 2021. This long-term Strategy is the blueprint for Pacific climate action through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and is a product […]

News • December 17, 2020

Tonga signs Host Country Agreement with GGGI

NUKU`ALOFA, TONGA – December 14, 2020 – The Kingdom of Tonga signed a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), thus strengthening the collaborative program of work to support Tonga’s transition towards low-carbon, climate resilient development. Tonga became the 29th Member of GGGI in December 2018. Since then, GGGI has initiated […]

News • September 30, 2020

Tonga’s Nationally Determined Contribution Review Report Launched at Tonga Climate Change Week

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) as an implementing partner of the Regional Pacific NDC Hub has successfully supported the Government of the Kingdom of Tonga to review its 2015 Intended Nationally Determined Contribution (INDC) and provide recommendations for the enhanced 2020 NDC. The Tonga Nationally Determined Contributions Review Report was officially launched on 25 […]

News • August 25, 2020

New Zealand and GGGI sign partnership to support Pacific Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development

[Seoul, August 25, 2020] – A new international partnership to support Pacific countries to tackle climate change has been signed today by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). The NZD 4.7 million (USD 3.1 million) partnership  will help Pacific countries over the next three years […]

Reports

Tonga’s NDC Review Report 2020 Pacific  • Tonga  • NDCs  • NDCs
Report
Tonga’s NDC Review Report 2020

Pacific  • Tonga  • NDCs  • NDCs

Tonga’s Second NDC 2020 Pacific  • Tonga  • NDCs  • NDCs
Report
Tonga’s Second NDC 2020

Pacific  • Tonga  • NDCs  • NDCs

Evaluation of Pacific Programming 2017-21 (Ongoing) Pacific  • Samoa  • Tuvalu  • Solomon Islands  • Fiji
Report
Evaluation of Pacific Programming 2017-21 (Ongoing)

Pacific  • Samoa  • Tuvalu  • Solomon Islands  • Fiji  • Kiribati  • Papua New Guinea  • Tonga  • Vanuatu

Review of Strategic Plan 2015-2020: Commitments Delivered and Key Results Caribbean  • Ecuador  • Uzbekistan  • Philippines  • India
Report
Review of Strategic Plan 2015-2020: Commitments Delivered and Key Results

Caribbean  • Ecuador  • Uzbekistan  • Philippines  • India  • Rwanda  • Jordan  • Senegal  • Kiribati  • United Arab Emirates  • Lao PDR  • Viet Nam  • Cambodia  • Mongolia  • Saint Lucia  • Mozambique  • Guyana  • Papua New Guinea  • Colombia  • Nepal  • Costa Rica  • Hungary  • Fiji  • Green Cities  • Tonga  • Qatar  • Uganda  • Morocco  • Ethiopia  • Myanmar  • Burkina Faso  • Peru  • Forest (Sustainable) Landscapes  • Indonesia  • Sustainable Energy  • México  • Thailand  • Vanuatu  • Green Buildings and Industry  • Gender and Inclusive Development  • Sustainable Transport  • Waste  • Solar Energy  • Sustainable Landscapes  • Green Finance  • Climate-Smart Agriculture  • Coastal Resilience

Pacific Accredited Entity Roundtable Report Vanuatu  • Pacific  • fiji  • Kiribati  • Tonga
Report
Pacific Accredited Entity Roundtable Report

Vanuatu  • Pacific  • fiji  • Kiribati  • Tonga  • GGGI Pacific  • Fiji  • Kiribati  • Tonga  • Green Climate Fund  • Vanuatu  • Green Finance  • Climate Change  • GCF climate finance  • Pacific

Green Growth Index 2020: Measuring performance in achieving SDG targets Ecuador  • PNG  • Pacific  • Technical Report  • Republic of Korea
Report
Green Growth Index 2020: Measuring performance in achieving SDG targets

Ecuador  • PNG  • Pacific  • Technical Report  • Republic of Korea  • Denmark  • flagship-publications  • Caribbean  • Viet Nam  • Mongolia  • Cambodia  • Mozambique  • UAE  • Saint Lucia  • Nepal  • Guyana  • Costa Rica  • Papua New Guinea  • Fiji  • Philippines  • India  • Rwanda  • Hungary  • Jordan  • Senegal  • Kiribati  • United Arab Emirates  • Lao PDR  • Morocco  • Uganda  • Myanmar  • Ethiopia  • Peru  • Burkina Faso  • Tonga  • Indonesia  • México  • Cross Cutting  • Thailand  • Vanuatu

Achieving Green Growth and Climate Action Post-COVID-19 flagship-publications  • Caribbean  • Côte d’Ivoire  • Technical Report  • Viet Nam
Report
Achieving Green Growth and Climate Action Post-COVID-19

flagship-publications  • Caribbean  • Côte d’Ivoire  • Technical Report  • Viet Nam  • Kiribati  • Lao PDR  • Mongolia  • UAE  • Guyana  • Cambodia  • Mozambique  • Nepal  • Hungary  • Rwanda  • Colombia  • Senegal  • Fiji  • United Arab Emirates  • Jordan  • Green Cities  • Uganda  • Morocco  • Burkina Faso  • Peru  • Tonga  • Ethiopia  • Forest (Sustainable) Landscapes  • Indonesia  • Sustainable Energy  • México  • Cross Cutting  • Thailand  • Vanuatu

NDC Implementation Roadmap Development: Guidelines for Small Island Developing States Pacific  • flagship-publications  • Technical Guidelines  • Fiji  • Kiribati
Report
NDC Implementation Roadmap Development: Guidelines for Small Island Developing States

Pacific  • flagship-publications  • Technical Guidelines  • Fiji  • Kiribati  • Papua New Guinea  • Tonga  • Cross Cutting  • Vanuatu

GGGI In-Country Staff

Charlotte Camille Turk

Green Investment Services - Regional Technical Lead for the Pacific

Walter Reinhardt

Senior Economist – Pacific

Will Rolston

Senior Program Officer

Katerina Syngellakis

Pacific Policy Advisor

Daniel Muñoz-Smith

Country Representative, Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Vanuatu