The Public Utilities Commission on Wednesday approved GPA’s request to enter into renewable energy contracts for solar and wind technology with Quantum Guam Power LLC and Pacific Green Resources LLC.
“This is great news for our island customers as it represents another step forward for GPA to diversify its energy resources,” said Joaquin Flores, GPA general manager. “Within two years, Guam will begin to enjoy solar energy, and within three years wind power from the first phase of renewable energy projects.”
Art Perez, GPA spokesman, said the contract amount is about $200 million — an investment the two contractors will make. In both projects, GPA is only obligated to pay for the energy received.
Perez said the projects will be broken up into two phases. The first is expected to begin as early as next month, but is conditional pending the completion of a system impact study.
The system impact study is an assessment made to ensure the two renewable energy systems are compatible with GPA’s current system, Perez said.
“The system impact study will outline the requirements that must be met by the two energy companies to ‘tie into’ the islandwide power system, such as new transmission lines, upgrades to nearby substations to ensure power quality, and transformer upgrades that may be needed,” said Flores.
The first phase of the project, Perez said, will bring an additional 30 megawatts of capacity.
For his part, Perez said he is excited about the renewable energy projects coming to the island.
“We’re going to be joining the international community in renewable energy technologies,” said Perez.
Perez said not only will Guam benefit from this technology in terms of saving energy, the new technology could also create a stronger private sector workforce and more jobs for island residents.
“Now we can bring that type of energy and technology here as a catalyst. This will hopefully open other private sector opportunities for Guam with our Guam Trades Academy and engineering program,” Perez said.
