10 Jun 2010

Tonga King moots nuclear power generation

6:54 pm on 10 June 2010

Tonga is considering making use of nuclear power.

In his speech to the latest session of the Legislative Assembly, King George Tupou 5th spoke of the country's need to end its reliance on fossil fuel.

In a brief reference that has reportedly stunned locals, the King spoke of Government plans to access American nuclear technology.

Our correspondent Mateni Tapueluelu says the King says the Government will look at importing what he called a nuclear machine but few other details were disclosed.

"It is a 30 megawatt nuclear machine that would subsidise Tonga's electricity supply. He also referred to the fact it can also assist in turning the sea water into usable fresh water because Tonga will need this in the future. In his own words he says the quicker Tonga moves towards nuclear energy the better - so that's the details we have now."