Maama Mai Solar Farm
{{Short description|Photovoltaic power plant in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox power station
| name = Maama Mai Solar Farm
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| country = Tonga
| location = Nukuʻalofa
| coordinates = {{Coord|21|09|28.2|S|175|10|49.6|W|type:landmark_region:TO|display=inline,title}}
| status = O
| construction_began = 2011
| commissioned = July 2012
| decommissioned =
| cost = NZD $7.9 million
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| ps_electrical_capacity = 1.325 MW{{cite web|url=https://solar.reidtechnology.co.nz/projects/maama-mai-solar-farm-tongatapu/|title=Maama Mai Solar Farm - Tongatapu - Tonga|website=Reid Technology|access-date=9 January 2024}}
| ps_electrical_cap_fac =
| ps_annual_generation = 1,880 MWh
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The Maama Mai Solar Farm is a photovoltaic power plant in Nukuʻalofa, Tonga. It was the first renewable power plant in the country. The plant has an output of 1.325MW and produces 1,880 MWh of electricity per annum. The plant's name is Tongan for "let there be light".
History
Funding for the plant was announced by New Zealand foreign affairs minister Murray McCully in July 2010.{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/34717/nz-to-help-tonga-build-solar-power-plant |title=NZ to help Tonga build solar power plant |publisher=RNZ |date=7 July 2010 |access-date=9 January 2024}} The plant was to be built and operated by Meridian Energy, with the electricity sold to Tonga Power. Funding of NZ$7.9 million was provided by the New Zealand Agency for International Development.{{cite web |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/84455/nz-to-help-fund-tonga-solar-energy-plant |title=NZ to help fund Tonga solar energy plant |publisher=RNZ |date=6 September 2011 |access-date=9 January 2024}}
Construction of the power plant started in 2011 and completed in 2012. It was then commissioned by King Tupou VI in July 2012, making it the first renewable power plant in the country.{{cite web|url=https://www.tongapower.to/Maama%20Mai%20Solar|title=Maama Mai Solar|website=Tonga Power Ltd|access-date=9 January 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/7339528/NZ-funded-solar-facility-opens-in-Tonga |title=NZ-funded solar facility opens in Tonga |publisher=Stuff |date=24 July 2012 |access-date=9 January 2024}} In 2017, the power plant ownership was fully transferred to Tonga Power.{{cite web|url=https://www.meridianenergy.co.nz/power-stations/solar/maama-mai|title=Maama Mai solar farm|website=Meridian|access-date=9 January 2024}}
See also
References
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Category:2012 establishments in Tonga
Category:Buildings and structures in Nukuʻalofa
Category:Energy infrastructure completed in 2012
Category:Photovoltaic power stations in Tonga
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