Tonga Transport and Climate Profile 2026
Outline
TONGA
TRANSPORT AND CLIMATE PROFILE
Supported by:
Transport and Climate Change
Transport Energy Consumption
Adaptation and Resilience
Other Externalities
Vehicle Fleet
Urban Transport
Transport Investments
Transport and Climate Policy Documents
Distribution of Transport and Climate Policy Measures in Policy Documents
National Policy Priorities on Transport
Direct GHG Targets
These tables contains transport-relevant (e.g. economy-wide; sector-specific) GHG emissions targets as explicitly mentioned in the policy documents.
Economy-wide GHG emissions mandates
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | Energy: 13% (16 Gg) reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 compared to 2006 through a transition to 70% renewable electricity as well as energy efficiency measures. | 2030 |
Managing transport GHG emission
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Transport: Reduce emissions by 26 GgCO2e by 2030 and 45 GgCO2e by 2035 compared to the baseline emissions of 2006 | 2035 |
Net zero, carbon neutrality
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | 0 | 2050 |
Indirect Transport Climate Change Targets
These tables show non-GHG targets as specified in the policy documents which indirectly benefit climate change mitigation and adaptation in the transport sector.
Active mobility - General
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | 20% reduction in VKT of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) through walking, biking, transit, rideshare, telecommute. | 2030 |
Biofuels
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | All road transportation diesel contains 10% biodiesel. This amount would be sourced from all available waste oil and grease in the country (which could provide an estimated 77% of the targeted biodiesel in 2030) and the rest would come from coconut oil. | 2030 |
EV mandates/ procurement
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | municipal government fleet 100 percent electric | 2050 |
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | Ten percent of new LDVs are electric by 2030. | 2030 |
Managing transport energy consumption
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | 0 | 2050 |
Operational efficiency in logistics
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | HDV idle time reduced by 1 hour per day. | 2030 |
Renewable energy
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | 50% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2025 | 2025 |
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | 70% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030 | 2030 |
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | 100% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2035 | 2035 |
| Joint National action plan 2 on climate change and disaster risk management 2018 - 2028 | 2018 | 100% reewable by 2035 | 2035 |
Shared mobility - General
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | 20% reduction in VKT of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) through walking, biking, transit, rideshare, telecommute. | 2030 |
Teleworking
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | 20% reduction in VKT of light-duty vehicles (LDVs) through walking, biking, transit, rideshare, telecommute. | 2030 |
Trasport adaptation - general
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Integrate climate-induced relocation and internal migration into national policy and planning frameworks, ensuring that mobility and land use decisions support climate-resilient development by 2035 | 2035 |
Vehicle efficiency standards
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | 30% improvement in fuel economy for new LDVs through registration fees, import tariffs, or fuel economy standards. This would be an improvement from 10.1L/100km in 2016 to 7L/100km in 2030. HDV's use about 3.5 liters of diesel per hour and LDV's about 1.5. | 2030 |
Transport and Climate Policy Measures
These tables list the policy measures that relate to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the transport sector that had been identified in the transport policy documents.
Access restriction by corridor/ road
| Roads Act 2020 | 2020 | The Ministry may, by Order, prohibit the use of certain public roads and land transport infrastructure, by vehicles whose total excessive weight, height or width would have a detrimental and potentially damaging effect on the road asset, and the maintenance and protection of its integrity. | x |
Active mobility - General
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Upgrade/expande carpark, pedestrian access Fua'amotu Airports | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | Implementation of non-motorised and cycling transport options. Creating green spaces and pathways which make it pleasant to cycle or walk in pedestrianised or exclusively cycling areas. | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Urban transport studies including Nuku'alofa road traffic modeling, road public transport options and investigation and design of cycleway options. | x |
Active transport infrastructure expansion and improvement
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Village Sidewalks and Walkways | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | support introduction of newer vehicles, e-vehicles, as well as cycling and walking where road resurfacing can be combined with introduction of dedicated cycle paths and pavements. expansion and creation of new cycling and pedestrian pathways/sidewalks both within and outside the central business district of Nuku'alofa. dedicated cycle lanes, pedestrians-only city centre areas (cyclist and pedestrians only paths /roads) | x | x |
Airport infrastructure improvement
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Control tower, new hangar, cargo facility, cargo x-ray screening. Passenger Transit Accommodation Fua'amotu. Upgraded Departure and arrival area (Fua'amotu); (TSCP Aviation). Upgrade/expande carpark, pedestrian access Fua'amotu Airports | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Conducting an obstacle limitation survey for Kaufana Airport, ‘Eua. Urgent resurfacing to the runway and apron at Salote Pilolevu Airport, Ha'apai, including reconstruction of pavement layers at localized softspots, subsoil drainage as needed, and full line marking. | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | improved infrastructure, including the fire station at the airport and an extension to the airport transit lounge | x |
Alternative fuels - General
| Energy Act 2021 | 2021 | (d) energy production and supply of – (i) petroleum and alternative liquid fuels; (ii) electricity; (iii) gas; (iv) renewable energy; (v) any other forms of energy supply. | |||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Two solar-powered TUK TUK (100% solar fuel vehicle) have been contributed to the MEIDECC. T | x | ||||
| Joint National action plan 2 on climate change and disaster risk management 2018 - 2028 | 2018 | complete studies to determine feasibility to transitioning away from petrol and diesel (alternative sources) in the transport sector (shipping and vehicles) | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Change Policy | 2016 | A transport system that is not reliant on fossil fuels | |||||
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | private sector interest on solar car public transport campaign for tourists | x |
Aviation electrification
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | Conversion of GSE to cleaner fuels - Electrical operated ground vehicles - Gas operated ground vehicles - Alternative fuel operated ground vehicles | x |
Aviation fuels - General
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | Conversion of GSE to cleaner fuels - Electrical operated ground vehicles - Gas operated ground vehicles - Alternative fuel operated ground vehicles | x |
Aviation improvements - General
| Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 | 2015 | support strong private sector aviation, shipping services and land transport services in country encourage more international shipping and aviation links to the country | x |
Aviation safety
| Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 | 2015 | ensure adherence with international shipping and aviation safety regulations and standards | x | x | x |
Battery life cycle management
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | introduction of regulations and standards for battery management and disposal | x |
Biofuels
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 3: Technology and fuel switching • Phase 1: Biodiesel 5% pilot blending; electrify part of government fleet. • Phase 2: Expand biodiesel to 10%; electrify passenger fleet (incentives for private LDVs) | x | ||||
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Biomass Generation ('Eua) | |||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | Further exploration of biofuels as an alternative fuel for both land and maritime transport may be revisited in future | x | x | |||
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | biofuels for both transport and electricity generation | x | x | x |
Budget/ identification of EV projects
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 3: Technology and fuel switching • Phase 1: Biodiesel 5% pilot blending & electrify part of government fleet: ~ USD 9 - 12 mil • Phase 2: Expand biodiesel & electrify passenger fleet: ~ USD 9 - 12 mil • Phase 3: Electrify public transport: ~ USD 15 - 18 mil | x |
Budget/ identification of active mobility projects
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Seeking funds to promote public transport to import more bicycle or scooter for short distance travel. | x |
Budget/ identification of transport asset management projects
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | funding to support institutional and regulatory reforms for transport sector asset management and maintenance | x |
Capacity building - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | Mandatory data collection systems and procedures will be put in place with awareness raising and training provided. Mandatory vehicle standards and incentives for more efficient vehicles through tax, fees and import tariffs.: short courses for government officials, technicians and mechanics, customs officers, transport civil servants, owners of large commercial fleets and other private sector professionals. And these capacity building measures will need to continue periodically for the medium term, to embed behaviour change. broad range of capacity building (awareness raising, short courses, tertiary and vocational training well as integrating information into lessons in primary and secondary schools (e.g. about the environmental and health benefits of cycling and walking) amongst target groups. These groups include the general public, women and youth, government employees, primary and secondary school teachers and students and professionals in urban planning and transport. Capacity building needs to start immediately and continue into the medium and long term as the action is envisioned to be implemented all the way to 2050. | x |
Capacity building and education for disaster preparedness and recovery in transport
| Joint National action plan 2 on climate change and disaster risk management 2018 - 2028 | 2018 | capacity building programmes for each government ministry, NGO and private sector |
Coordinate planning across government agencies
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | MEIDECC: Responsible for policy oversight and coordination of lowcarbon transport initiatives under TERMPLUS/TEEMP • Ministry of Infrastructure (MoI): Responsible for the transport sector, covering land, maritime, and aviation. • Ports Authority Tonga (PAT): Overseeing operation, maintenance, and efficiency improvements of national ports. | x | x | |||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | strengthen coordination among relevant institutions |
Data collection and repositories - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | improved data collection across all areas of the Transport sector, including consumption behaviour and transport preferences, breakdown of fuel use for land, maritime and aviation, and separation and classification of transport waste. include Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for monitoring, collection and storage of EV operational data | x |
Decreasing transport activity
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | expansion of internet services through the development of apps and digitised services, incentives for employees to move/ work in decentralised offices, and recruitment of staff based in decentralised locations. | x |
Development of automotive plan/ policy
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Tonga Energy RoadMap 2021-2035 (TERMPLUS) (Government of Tonga, 2024) includes the Motor Industry QualityAssurance Programme and stricter vehicle and fuel standards to improve fleet efficiency. TongaEnergy Eficiency Master Plan (TEEMP) (Government of Tonga, 2020) promotes behavioural changeby reducing vehicle kilometres travelled, enhancing the eficiency of light-duty vehicles, and curbingunnecessary idling. | x |
Development of other transport-related plan/ policy
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | Decentralization of services from urban to rural areas to decrease traffic congestion: strategic plan for decentralising services, incentives to locate or relocate key utility services/agencies offices outside of Nuku'alofa CBD so that people can reach services locally. development of an integrated urban planning program (homes, employment, transport), | x | ||||
| National Spatial Planning and Management Act 2012 | 2012 | AN ACT TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR PLANNING THE USE, DEVELOPMENT, MANAGEMENT AND PROTECTION OF LAND IN THE KINGDOM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES (including transport). create an appropriate urban structure and form for the development of the Kingdom so as to provide equitable and orderly access to transportation, recreational, employment and other opportunities; | x | x | x |
Development of transport adaptation/ emergency/ disaster/ recovery plan/ policy
| Joint National action plan 2 on climate change and disaster risk management 2018 - 2028 | 2018 | Priority sector resilient plans to be developed, integrating gender, youth, and people with disabilities andothe r vulnerabilities. Mresponse and recovery plan |
Development of transport asset management plan/policy
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | road asset management system will be implemented | x |
Disaster monitoring
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | Research, Monitoring, Management of Data, and Information for transport | x | x | x |
Driver licensing
| Traffic Act 2020 | 2020 | Motor vehicle to be registered and licensed (1) Except as specially provided in this Part of this Act, no person shall use any motor vehicle on any road, or permit any motor vehicle to be so used, unless — (a) the motor vehicle is registered in accordance with this Act; and (b) registration plates for the motor vehicle and a current licence to use the motor vehicle have been issued in accordance with this Act and are affixed to the motor vehicle in the prescribed manner. ) The licensing officer may upon the payment of the prescribed fee issue a motor driver's licence to any person who satisfies him that he is qualified to be the holder of a motor driver's licence, and has met all the requirements for a driving licence in the regulations under this Act, entitling such person to drive any vehicle | x |
EV - General
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | For mitigation, the TNA (Phase IV, 2023-2025) prioritized six key low-carbon technologies across the energy and transportation sectors (Tevita Tukunga, 2025). These include on-grid renewable energysystems (solar photovoltaic and wind power), energy-efficient household appliances, and electricmobility options (battery electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and grid-integrated EVs). | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Promote the use of Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) | x |
EV charging infrastructure
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | procurement of EVs for the government municipal fleet and charging stations at government buildings | x |
EV in public transport
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 3: Technology and fuel switching • Phase 3: Electrify public transport (e-buses, charging depots) | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | support introduction of newer vehicles, e-vehicles, as well as cycling and walking where road resurfacing can be combined with introduction of dedicated cycle paths and pavements. Introducing electric vehicles (EVs) in the municipal government fleet. | x |
EV pilot projects
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Smart public transport pilot (bus electrification prep, scheduling systems) | x |
Education and behavior change - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | Mandatory vehicle standards and incentives for more efficient vehicles through tax, fees and import tariffs.: An awareness raising campaign will support behavioural change and promote the benefits of this approach, as well as raise awareness of enforcement and penalties. Strengthen sustainable maintenance of all vehicles.: As significant changes in attitudes towards vehicle maintenance will be needed, behavioural change would also be supported through various measures. broad range of capacity building (awareness raising, short courses, tertiary and vocational training well as integrating information into lessons in primary and secondary schools (e.g. about the environmental and health benefits of cycling and walking) amongst target groups. These groups include the general public, women and youth, government employees, primary and secondary school teachers and students and professionals in urban planning and transport. Capacity building needs to start immediately and continue into the medium and long term as the action is envisioned to be implemented all the way to 2050. | x |
Emissions trading and carbon pricing
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | 0 | x |
Energy efficient vehicle incentives excl. EVs
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | fuel economy programme for LDVs | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | policy, regulations and/or incentives to increase uptake of more energy efficient, lower emissions conventional vehicle technologies. Low emissions vehicles.: Mandatory vehicle standards for newly purchased light duty vehicles (private cars, taxis, minivans, etc.) with incentives through taxes, fees and import tariffs. | x | ||||
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | Mandatory vehicle standards and/or incentives through tax, fees, import tariffs | x |
Excavation/dredging
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Limited maintenance dredging at outer island ports throughout Tonga to remove sediment deposits within the basin and docking areas is also included. Activities under this sub-component will include supervision of the maritime sector infrastructure rehabilitation works, and design and preparation of the maintenance dredging works. | x |
Freight and logistics improvements - General
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Cargo Facility Fua'amotu | x |
Green aviation program
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | Airport Improvements - Installation of LED lighting as opposed to classic lighting Reduced energy demand and preferred cleaner energy sources - Use cleaner alternative sources of power generation (Solar Panels, Wind Turbines/ Generators) - Use cleaner and energy efficient heater/ cooler and/ or minimize heater/ cooler utilization - Reduce electrical demand (Switch off unnecessary lights, promote usage of stairs as opposed to lifts) Enhanced Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Management - Reduce distance travelled - Avoid unnecessary idling of equipment. | x |
Incentives for EVs and components
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 3: Technology and fuel switching • Phase 1: Biodiesel 5% pilot blending; electrify part of government fleet. • Phase 2: Expand biodiesel to 10%; electrify passenger fleet (incentives for private LDVs) | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | policy, regulations and/or incentives to increase uptake of more energy efficient, lower emissions conventional vehicle technologies. alignment of incentives for tax/duties/tariffs with the different stakeholders (car dealers, consumers and TPL), provide rebates for EV purchasers and for charging station set-up | x | ||||
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | Introduce rebates on HEVs and EVs, including low-speed electric vehicles such as GEMs and EV scooters. Rebates on the installation of public EV chargers with timers, then smart meters to smooth the load of 50% renewable. | x |
Informal public transport (IPT)/ paratransit measures improvement - General
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | Incentivize tuk tuks to queue at major bus stops in the countryside to complete the last-mile travelled | x |
Infrastructure improvements - General
| Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 | 2015 | a) provide improved transport infrastructure construction, management and maintenance b) improve road networks on islands | x |
Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | ferry transportation across the Fanga'uta Lagoon | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | The TMS will provide important statistics for monitoring compliance with regulations and standards, especially for ferry services and possibly aviation. | x |
Intelligent transport systems (ITS)
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Smart public transport pilot (bus electrification prep, scheduling systems) | x |
Investment required for specific projects
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Energy: Target-Transport: Reduce emissions by 26 GgCO2e by 2030 and 45 GgCO2e by 2035 compared to the baseline emissions of 2006 – Conditional 68 – 92 [Million USD] |
Managing transport GHG emission
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | Development of GHG emission reduction targets for the following sectors: transport, agriculture, waste, and forestry | x | x | x |
Maritime Safety
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | The activities will be based on the recommendations of the Assessment of Maritime Safety Conditions of Ports and Wharves (2017) and the findings from investigation of Nafanua Port at ‘Eua (October, 2017). | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | improved safety standards for passenger vessels, under an improved regulatory framework with the Government of Tonga's Marine and Ports Division | x |
National speed law
| Traffic Act 2020 | 2020 | Notwithstanding the provisions in section 20A of the Magistrate's Courts Act, whenever a police officer detects a vehicle which is travelling above the maximum speed limit, he may issue to the driver a Notice of Infringement in the form set out in Form 2 of the Schedule and shall do so if the only offence to be charged is exceeding the speed limit. | x |
Number of vehicle registration limit
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Legislate the ownership of cars per household or per company and forbid the use of cars with large engine and low efficiency. | x |
Parking measures - General
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 2: Demand side and behavioural measures • Phase 1: VKT reduction – Nuku'alofa Sustainable City, walkways, cycle lanes, paid parkings, pedestrianisation pilot. | x | x | |||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | create special parking spaces reserved for EVs | x |
Passenger and freight load limits
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | weight limits for trucks will be put in place | x | ||||
| Traffic Act 2020 | 2020 | The Principal Licensing Authority with the consent of the Cabinet may make regulations for all or any of the following purposes: prescribing the maximum weight and the maximum dimensions of any vehicle, and any load thereon, that may be used on any road, the maximum weight and the maximum air pressure of the tyres of any vehicle; | x |
Performance-based transport maintenance contracts
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Road sector: routine maintenance through innovative types of maintenance contracts (such as area‐ wide coverage, multi‐year, combined periodic and routine maintenance all through the execution and implementation of Performance-Based Contracts). | x |
Planning to reduce future vulnerabilities and minimizing losses
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | a. Conducting a road sector Climate Vulnerability Assessment | x |
Private sector cooperation
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | encouraging private companies to decentralise services and operations over a certain size, and to provide minibus services for employee pick-up and drop-off in mornings and afternoons. | x |
Private sector investment/ PPP
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Community partnership roads transportation (minor roads) | x | ||||
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | private sector interest on solar car public transport campaign for tourists | x |
Public transport improvement - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | electric buses and taxis and electric motors for small boats | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Urban transport studies including Nuku'alofa road traffic modeling, road public transport options and investigation and design of cycleway options. | x | ||||
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | Use a platform such as NextBus to track and coordinate busses | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Seeking funds to promote public transport to import more bicycle or scooter for short distance travel. | x |
Public transport intermodality - General
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | Improved Transportation to and from airport - Improved public transport access - Improved employee transportation. | x |
Reference to domestic financing mechanisms
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | alignment of incentives for tax/duties/tariffs with the different stakeholders (car dealers, consumers and TPL), provide rebates for EV purchasers and for charging station set-up | x | ||||
| Roads Act 2020 | 2020 | The Road Maintenance Fund is hereby established by the Minister for Finance and National Planning, pursuant to the Public Finance Management Act 2002. | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | establishment of a ‘Road Maintenance Fund' to ensure sustainable finance of future investments | x |
Reference to international financial support
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | 0 | x | ||||
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | welcomes international assistance in the development of meaningful and wide ranging mitigation opportunities to reduce Tonga's oil dependence and GHG emissions in this sector. | x | x | x |
Renewable energy
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Achieve 70% of electricity generated from renewable sources by 2030 | |||||
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Renewable energy pilots (Coconut Oil/land fill gas) | |||||
| Energy Act 2021 | 2021 | (d) energy production and supply of – (i) petroleum and alternative liquid fuels; (ii) electricity; (iii) gas; (iv) renewable energy; (v) any other forms of energy supply. | |||||
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | Rebates on the installation of public EV chargers with timers, then smart meters to smooth the load of 50% renewable | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | To provide a proper regulation for promoting affordable renewable energy technologies and seeking funding from various donors for renewable energy programmes | |||||
| Tonga Climate Change Policy | 2016 | 100 per cent renewable energy | |||||
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | 70% of electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030 | |||||
| Renewable Energy Act 2008 | 2008 | The principal objects of this Act are – (a) to promote the development of the renewable energy industry in the Kingdom by: (i) researching and developing opportunities of renewable energy in the Kingdom; (ii) encouraging the use of commercially sustainable renewable energy technology for both grid connected and stand alone power supply systems; (iii) regulating the technical and safety standards for renewable energy technologies; (iv) regulating the licensing of persons involved in the design, research, installation and management of renewable energy projects; (v) regulating renewable energy operators; (vi) regulating the feed-in tariffs for renewable energy generated electricity; and (vii) supporting the engagement of the private sector in renewable energy projects in the Kingdom. (b) to establish an authority to deal with matters relating to renewable energy. (c) to empower such authority to regulate all matters relating to renewable energy. (d) to promote the implementation of commercially sustainable renewable energy based electrification services by encouraging economically efficient investment in the use of and infrastructure to provide electrification services. (e) to promote access by people resident in the remote areas of the Kingdom to renewable energy services to the extent that it is reasonably and commercially practicable to provide such services. | |||||
| National Renewable Energy Policy | 2006 | RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY STATEMENTS 2.1 To ensure that appropriate provisions regulating renewable energy are provided for, in a legislative framework. 2.2 To promote and encourage the use of proven, appropriate and affordable renewable energy technologies in Tonga based on a systematic approach. 2.3 To develop partnerships with potential foreign and local investors, donors and agencies in seeking funding sources and technical assistance for the development of renewable energy programmes in Tonga. 2.4 To encourage inter-governmental, statutory bodies, non-governmental, donors, financial institutions, beneficiaries and private sectors cooperation in renewable energy programmes. |
Reporting, transparency, feedback mechanism
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 1: Structural and regulatory measures • Phase 1: Vehicle import standards (fuel economy, emissions, registration/ inspection reform) • Phase 2: Tariff/duty adjustments for cleaner vehicles • Phase 3: Full compliance and data/MRV systems Initiative 1: Structural and regulatory measures • Phase 1: Vehicle import standards: ~ USD 2 mil • Phase 2: Tariff/duty adjustments: ~ USD 1 - 2 mil • Phase 3: Full compliance and MRV systems: ~ USD 1 - 2 mil | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | standards (tanu Hala) with regular reporting and greater transparency will be introduced |
Repurposing road space for active mobility access
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | adapting road layouts and creating safe separation between different modes of transport, adding cycle lanes and space and infrastructure for parking bikes safely, adding pavements /sidewalks and creating new dedicated paths for cycles and pedestrians | x |
Research in transport sector
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Upgrading the Transport Management System (TMS) information technology including conducting trainings in relation to such system. | x | ||||
| Joint National action plan 2 on climate change and disaster risk management 2018 - 2028 | 2018 | recruit dedicated climate resilience staff to all outer islands ministeries | |||||
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | Research, Monitoring, Management of Data, and Information for transport | x | x | x | ||
| Renewable Energy Act 2008 | 2008 | The principal objects of this Act are – (a) to promote the development of the renewable energy industry in the Kingdom by: (i) researching and developing opportunities of renewable energy in the Kingdom; (ii) encouraging the use of commercially sustainable renewable energy technology for both grid connected and stand alone power supply systems; (iii) regulating the technical and safety standards for renewable energy technologies; (iv) regulating the licensing of persons involved in the design, research, installation and management of renewable energy projects; (v) regulating renewable energy operators; (vi) regulating the feed-in tariffs for renewable energy generated electricity; and (vii) supporting the engagement of the private sector in renewable energy projects in the Kingdom. (b) to establish an authority to deal with matters relating to renewable energy. (c) to empower such authority to regulate all matters relating to renewable energy. (d) to promote the implementation of commercially sustainable renewable energy based electrification services by encouraging economically efficient investment in the use of and infrastructure to provide electrification services. (e) to promote access by people resident in the remote areas of the Kingdom to renewable energy services to the extent that it is reasonably and commercially practicable to provide such services. |
Resilient transport infrastructure
| Voluntary National Review 2019 | 2019 | evacuation bridge to improve transport access | x | ||||
| Joint National action plan 2 on climate change and disaster risk management 2018 - 2028 | 2018 | Implement the Tonga Climate Resilient Transport Project in a timely manner. Resilient land, air and marine infrastructures. | x | x | x | ||
| Tonga Climate Change Policy | 2016 | Redesigned and resilient roads, coastal areas, buildings, and other infrastructure | x |
Road infrastructure expansion
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Community partnership roads transportation (minor roads). Widen to three lanes Taufa'ahau Rd (Pea to Tofoa) | x | ||||
| Voluntary National Review 2019 | 2019 | evacuation bridge to improve transport access | x |
Road surfacing
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Resurfacing of Vava'u runway, apron, taxiway (TAIP), resurfacing Ha'apai runway, apron, taxiway | x | x | |||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | improved road maintenance focusing on pothole repair and road resurfacing. | x |
Routine transport asset maintenance
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Road sector: routine maintenance through innovative types of maintenance contracts (such as area‐ wide coverage, multi‐year, combined periodic and routine maintenance all through the execution and implementation of Performance-Based Contracts). | x |
Shipping efficiency improvements
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 4: Maritime efficiency and electrification • Phase 1: Ship efficiency programme: hull maintenance, slow steaming, fuel mgmt; outboard motor replacement • Phase 2: Sailing multi-hull pilots, windassist cargo design | x | ||||
| Energy Act 2021 | 2021 | environmentally clean, energy efficient and cost effective transportation within the Kingdom | x |
Shipping improvement - General
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | TSCP2 (Nav Aids, Vessels, Ports Repairs) Niuas, Eu'a & Ha'apai, New Domestic Wharf. New maintenance workshop and boat ramp upgrade (HP, VV) | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | A variety of safety repair works at a number of outer island locations in Nafanua (‘Eua), Pasivulangi (Niuatoputapu) and Futu (Niuafo'ou). | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | aids to navigation and port-related works completed to improve safety and security of seafarers | x | ||||
| Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 | 2015 | support strong private sector aviation, shipping services and land transport services in country encourage more international shipping and aviation links to the country | x |
Shipping port infrastructure improvements
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Nafanua ('Eua) Port Upgrade (now under TSCP2) | x |
Stakeholder involvement - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | Capacity measures will need to involve a broad range of stakeholders. broad range of capacity building (awareness raising, short courses, tertiary and vocational training well as integrating information into lessons in primary and secondary schools (e.g. about the environmental and health benefits of cycling and walking) amongst target groups. These groups include the general public, women and youth, government employees, primary and secondary school teachers and students and professionals in urban planning and transport. Capacity building needs to start immediately and continue into the medium and long term as the action is envisioned to be implemented all the way to 2050. | x |
Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
| Kingdom of Tonga's State Action Plan on CO2 Emissions Reduction from International Aviation | 2024 | Subscription to ACT – SAF in order to gain a broader understanding and knowledge on the effect of Sustainable Aviation Fuels. | x |
Taxi - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | electric buses and taxis and electric motors for small boats | x | ||||
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | Coordinate taxis (with a common dispatch and/or coordination apps such as FlyWheel) to increase the convenience of not owning a vehicle | x |
Technical standards for general transport infrastructure
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | piloting the introduction of new regulations and standards for electric vehicles. | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | The TMS will provide important statistics for monitoring compliance with regulations and standards, especially for ferry services and possibly aviation. | x | x | |||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | improved safety standards for passenger vessels, under an improved regulatory framework with the Government of Tonga's Marine and Ports Division | x | ||||
| Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 | 2015 | development a minimum transport infrastructure policy providing the minimum standard for connecting each island to the national transport network ensure adherence with international shipping and aviation safety regulations and standards maintain and enforce appropriate air, sea and land transport regulatory standards and requirements | x | x | x |
Technical standards for road infrastructure
| Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 | 2015 | maintain and enforce appropriate air, sea and land transport regulatory standards and requirements | x | x | x |
Technology and knowledge transfer
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Upgrading the Transport Management System (TMS) information technology including conducting trainings in relation to such system. | x | x | x |
Teleworking
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | expansion of internet services through the development of apps and digitised services, incentives for employees to move/ work in decentralised offices, and recruitment of staff based in decentralised locations. | x |
Traffic management
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | decentralisation of services from urban to rural areas in order to decrease traffic congestion around Tongatapu, but it is also applicable to the centre of island districts. | x | ||||
| Energy Efficiency Master Plan | 2020 | Construct left hand turn lanes at key intersections to improve traffic flow. Construct bus pull-offs to improve traffic flow. | x |
Transport Laws and Regulations- General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | bans on certains types of vehicles, regulations on imported vehicles to meet low sulfur standards (e.g. Euro 4), high import tariffs on inefficient vehicles and lower tariffs for efficient vehicles, and a maximum age of imported vehicles of 5 years | x | ||||
| Roads Act 2020 | 2020 | Roads Act 2020 | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Legislate the ownership of cars per household or per company and forbid the use of cars with large engine and low efficiency. | x |
Transport access improvement - General
| Voluntary National Review 2019 | 2019 | evacuation bridge to improve transport access | x |
Transport asset condition assessment
| Joint National action plan 2 on climate change and disaster risk management 2018 - 2028 | 2018 | conduct sector-specific vulnerbility assessment to establish baselines and to inform resilience planning |
Transport asset management - General
| Tonga National Infrastructure Investment Plan 3 - 2021-2030 | 2022 | Road upgradation programes. New road link to southern side of Fanga'uta Lagoon. National Main Roads upgrading | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | improved road maintenance focusing on pothole repair and road resurfacing. | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | Rehabilitation and/or upgrading of a combination ofmain and community/agricultural roads across Vava'u and main island of Tongatapu as identified by the Tonga National Roads Improvement 3‐Year Plan (2015). Delivery of footpath upgrade works and other road safety investments and activities, at sites still to be determined. | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | 171 km of roads maintained or rehabilitated between January 2012 and June 2013 by eight domestic contractors: two of whom are firms owned by women. Upgrading of Roads in Nuku'alofa Zone including double chips seal and construction of drainages. | x |
Transport asset management funding strategy
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | establishment of a ‘Road Maintenance Fund' to ensure sustainable finance of future investments | x |
Transport demand management - General
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 2: Demand side and behavioural measures • Phase 1: VKT reduction – Nuku'alofa Sustainable City, walkways, cycle lanes, paid parkings, pedestrianisation pilot. • Phase 2: Smart public transport pilot (bus electrification prep, scheduling systems); fuel economy programme for LDVs • Phase 3: Idle-time bans; auxiliary power tech training; full smart transport deployment Initiative 2: Demand side and behavioural measures • Phase 1: VKT reduction – Nuku'alofa Sustainable City: ~ USD 8 - 12 mil • Phase 2: Smart public transport pilot & fuel economy programme for LDVs: ~ USD 4 - 6 mil • Phase 3: Idle-time bans & auxiliary power tech training: ~ USD 3 - 4 mil | x | x |
Transport finance - General
| Roads Act 2020 | 2020 | The Ministry shall utilize the Road Maintenance Fund only for the purpose of - (a) building, maintaining, and protecting of the integrity of public roads which are in the approved Ministry annual works program for roads; (b) promoting road safety projects; and (c) such other matters as may be prescribed by Regulations. | x | ||||
| Tonga Climate Resilient Transport | 2020 | increase the sustainability of climate resilient investments |
Transport infrastructure modification to reduce climate risks
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Climate Proofing of Road Infrastructure in Nuku‘alofa Area by construction of drainages. | x |
Transport institutional reform
| Roads Act 2020 | 2020 | The Road Maintenance Fund Steering Committee (RMFSC) is hereby established. | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | the successful creation of the new fully-functioning Ministry of Infrastructure. |
Vehicle air pollution emission standards
| Tonga Climate Change Policy | 2016 | enforce and enact new regulations - vehicles that emit fumes | x |
Vehicle efficiency standards
| Energy Act 2021 | 2021 | environmentally clean, energy efficient and cost effective transportation within the Kingdom | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | Low emissions vehicles.: Mandatory vehicle standards for newly purchased light duty vehicles (private cars, taxis, minivans, etc.) with incentives through taxes, fees and import tariffs. | x | ||||
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | Mandatory vehicle standards and/or incentives through tax, fees, import tariffs. 2% efficiency gain per year for newly purchased light duty vehicles, | x | ||||
| Third National Communication on Climate Change Report | 2019 | Legislate the ownership of cars per household or per company and forbid the use of cars with large engine and low efficiency. | x | ||||
| Tonga First NDC | 2016 | diesel engines efficiency services training t | x |
Vehicle import inspections
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | bans on certains types of vehicles, regulations on imported vehicles to meet low sulfur standards (e.g. Euro 4), high import tariffs on inefficient vehicles and lower tariffs for efficient vehicles, and a maximum age of imported vehicles of 5 years. enforcement of penalties for non-compliant vehicles (this could be enforced at the border, with the importer), incentives for compliant vehicles (both for importers and consumers, to encourage purchase). | x |
Vehicle improvement - General
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | policy, regulations and/or incentives to increase uptake of more energy efficient, lower emissions conventional vehicle technologies. | x |
Vehicle inspection and maintenance
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | overhaul and maintenance services for all types of vehicles, and enforcement of related regulations for both public and government vehicle fleets. e introduction of safety inspections to assist with enforcement of maintenance every 3 years. | x | ||||
| Traffic Act 2020 | 2020 | providing for the periodical examination of motor vehicles and prescribing fees, in respect of those examinations; | x |
Vehicle restrictions (import, age, access, sale, taxation)
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 1: Structural and regulatory measures • Phase 1: Vehicle import standards (fuel economy, emissions, registration/ inspection reform) • Phase 2: Tariff/duty adjustments for cleaner vehicles • Phase 3: Full compliance and data/MRV systems | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | allocate responsibility to the importer or exporter, for vehicles' end of life removal, before replacements can be brought in. bans on certains types of vehicles, regulations on imported vehicles to meet low sulfur standards (e.g. Euro 4), high import tariffs on inefficient vehicles and lower tariffs for efficient vehicles, and a maximum age of imported vehicles of 5 years | x |
Vehicle scrappage scheme
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | s policies on abandoned vehicles, vehicle and boat collection and scrappage, and data collection for transport energy consumption (aligned with the new Energy Bill) allocate responsibility to the importer or exporter, for vehicles' end of life removal, before replacements can be brought in | x |
Vehicle taxes
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | policy, regulations and/or incentives to increase uptake of more energy efficient, lower emissions conventional vehicle technologies. Low emissions vehicles.: Mandatory vehicle standards for newly purchased light duty vehicles (private cars, taxis, minivans, etc.) with incentives through taxes, fees and import tariffs. permanent removal of import duties for bicycles | x | ||||
| Tonga's Second Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) (2020) | 2020 | Mandatory vehicle standards and/or incentives through tax, fees, import tariffs | x |
Vessel scrappage and retrofit
| Tonga NDC 3.0 | 2025 | Initiative 4: Maritime efficiency and electrification • Phase 1: Ship efficiency programme: hull maintenance, slow steaming, fuel mgmt; outboard motor replacement • Maritime electrification: hybrid inter-island freighters; FISA fleet retrofit/replacement | x | ||||
| Low Emission Development Strategy 2021-2050 | 2021 | policies on abandoned vehicles, vehicle and boat collection and scrappage, and data collection for transport energy consumption (aligned with the new Energy Bill) | x |
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