Sustainable Weather Radar Deployment in Underdeveloped Regions: A Case Study from the Pacific

Weather radar coverage remains sparse in many underdeveloped and remote parts of the world, where climate resilience, disaster preparedness, and early warning systems are most urgently needed. These areas are often the most vulnerable to extreme weather events, yet they frequently lack the infrastructure and resources necessary to support traditional radar systems. This presentation showcases our integrated approach to deploying advanced weather radar technology in some of the world’s most challenging environments, with a focus on a recent installation in the Kingdom of Tonga.

We detail the full deployment process—from the complex logistics of transporting a C-band radar system, prefabricated tower, and clean solar power infrastructure across the Pacific Ocean, to overcoming the technical, environmental, and cultural challenges faced during on-site installation. The Tonga project exemplifies how we design for resilience, ensuring that our systems can operate independently of fragile local utilities, with minimal environmental impact.

A key component of our strategy is sustainability. We invest in local training programs to empower communities with the knowledge and skills needed for basic maintenance and operation. This fosters a sense of ownership and long-term commitment. In parallel, our custom-built Remote Protection Box allows for continuous remote monitoring, diagnostics, and updates of all radar components—minimizing downtime and avoiding costly site visits in areas with limited technical support.

This work highlights not only the engineering innovations involved in remote radar deployment but also the human-centered and systemic strategies necessary to ensure that radar coverage is not only extended to underserved regions—but remains operational, effective, and trusted over time.