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Guam utility forum highlights move toward ‘green’ energy
In about seven years or between now and 2021, the people of Guam will begin realizing an economic stimulus in the range of $3 billion as the Guam Power Authority’s Integrated Resources Strategic Plan moves to the implementation level of constructing generation units and acquire the gas capability in 2021. This is according to Joaquin “Kin” C. Flores, P.E., general manager, Guam Power Authority, at his opening remarks during the GPA Integrated Resources Plan Forum at the Hyatt Regency Guam on Monday, April 14, 2014.
The Guam Integrated Resource Plan of 2012 outlines fuel diversification strategies of solar energy, liquid natural gas or LNG, wind, geothermal, biomass, and ocean thermal energy conversion. According to GPA, Guam began construction of photovoltaic solar energy in Dandan, Guam, for a 25-megawatt energy source while a wind turbine energy source for 10 MW is also in the works. GPA also acknowledges the viability of LNG as much cheaper, highly available, cleaner than diesel fossil fuel and in global demand. Asian countries alone are at 74 percent dependent LNG imports. Japan’s LNG dependence is at 35 percent and Korea’s is at 15 percent and increasing. Guam projects to realize a transformation in its energy production in 2021-2022 to benefit the economy, full compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency clean air mandates, rates stabilization, dual fired generation units (diesel and LNG), and complements from alternative renewable energy sources. The EPA has been forcing U.S. mainland states and territories to use cleaner and greener electricity and has pushed for stringent clean environment enforcement mandates.
Guam policymakers realized the importance of green energy as it relates to substantial economic savings to ratepayers. Guam Public Law 74-32 of November 2013 mandates the 40 public school system to install photovoltaic solar panel systems to realize saving to the tune of $4 million per annum. The University of Guam has stepped up to the plate, converting to solar systems that they hope to realize savings up to $6,000 per month. GPA has currently net-metered 127 customers of renewable source and projects to foresee about 70 megawatts net-metering by year 2020. Hawaii Electric in Hawaii began net-metering in 2005 (1.6MW) and as of year 2012 is now at 171 MW grid integration.
Gov. Eddie Calvo voiced his support for a call to stabilize electricity costs for the people of Guam during his opening remarks at the GPA Integrated Resource Plan Forum, on Monday, April 14, 2014.
Approximately 200 individuals participated in the forum, including investors, consultants, contractors, policymakers from Guam and the CNMI, and guests from U.S. mainland, Hawaii, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. (PR)
