Nuku’alofa, Tonga, 26-27th March 2026 – The Department of Energy under Tonga’s Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change & Communications (MEIDECC), in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Pacific Community (SPC), and SIDS-DOCK (a UN-recognised international organisation addressing climate change, resilience, and energy security for small island developing states), successfully hosted the Tonga National Energy Awareness Week. 

Held under the theme “Building a Sustainable Energy Future for Tonga,” the two-day programme brought together government agencies, development partners, utility providers, private sector actors, and the public to celebrate achievements and chart future directions for Tonga’s energy transition. 

The Honourable Prime Minister, who also serves as Minister for MEIDECC, Lord Fakafanua, urged stakeholders to accelerate action, stating “ I call on government agencies to accelerate policy implementation and coordination; development partners to scale up climate finance and technical support; private sector investors to seize opportunities in renewable energy and innovation; and communities and citizens to embrace energy efficiency and clean technologies.” 

Day 1 featured updates on the Tonga Energy Road Map 2021–2035, rural electrification, gender initiatives, and donor roundtables focused on mobilizing finance for Tonga’s sustainable energy transition. This part of the programme was made possible through funding from the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Government of Ireland (Irish Aid), whose generous support is provided under the Low Emissions Climate Resilient Development (LECRD) programme implemented by GGGI in the Pacific. 

Mr. Lano Fonua, GGGI’s Senior Programme Manager & Climate Finance Advisor, emphasized the importance of long-term energy security, noting “We are building the systems, partnerships, and knowledge needed for Tonga to lead its own low-emission, climate-resilient future. This is particularly relevant today, given global supply challenges that significantly affect small island countries like Tonga.” 

Day 2 focused on electric mobility and transport decarbonization, featuring updates on Tonga’s Electric Vehicle Roadmap, regional EV programmes, and renewable energy site visits. Exhibitions and field tours showcased solar farms, wind projects, clean water pumping systems, and electric vehicles currently in operation in Tonga. 

The Awareness Week strengthened collaboration between public and private sectors, enhanced understanding of renewable energy and e-mobility, and identified new opportunities for investment and technical assistance. Key partners included GGGI, PCREEE, Tonga Power Limited, Tonga Energy Commission, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Irish Aid, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, the European Union (EU), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), SIDS DOCK, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). 

The success of the 2026 Energy Awareness Week demonstrates Tonga’s growing leadership in the Pacific in sustainable energy. By uniting government, communities, and international partners, Tonga has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving a cleaner, more resilient future. The momentum generated during this event will serve as a catalyst for accelerating the nation’s energy transition and ensuring that future generations inherit a sustainable and climate-resilient Tonga. 

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For more information, visit:  https://gggi.org 

GGGI Tonga

Lano Fonua, Senior Program Officer and Climate Finance Advisor| Lano.fonua@gggi.org

GGGI Pacific

Kelly Vacala, Regional Communications & Knowledge Sharing Lead| Kelly.Vacala@gggi.org