In 2022, Guam's electricity consumption was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 90% of its electricity generated from such sources. Low-carbon or clean energy, which is essential in combatting climate change and promoting environmental sustainability, comprised just under 8% of the total electricity generation. At present, solar energy is the only represented form of low-carbon electricity in Guam, contributing approximately 8% of the total consumption. The heavy dependence on fossil fuels poses significant challenges, not just in terms of environmental impact but also in terms of future sustainability and energy security.

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Is Electricity Growing in Guam?

When comparing current electricity consumption data to historical figures, Guam has witnessed a decline in per-person electricity use. The 2022 figures show a consumption of 10,900 kWh per person, which marks a decrease of about 10% from the 12,123 kWh per person peak seen in 2000. Conversely, the generation of low-carbon electricity per person has increased, reaching 848 kWh in 2022 compared to 494 kWh in 2019. This increment is a modest yet promising indicator of an upward trend in clean energy adoption, though much improvement is needed to further balance the electricity mix away from fossil fuels.

Suggestions

Expanding low-carbon electricity generation in Guam is essential and can be strategically approached by observing successful practices in other regions. The state of Nevada effectively generates about a third of its electricity from solar energy, offering a model for Guam to emulate, given its similar climate. Moreover, solar power's potential could be complemented by nuclear energy, a reliable and robust clean energy source. Countries like France and Slovakia generate around two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power, demonstrating its feasibility and capacity to significantly contribute to a low-carbon mix. Such models highlight the importance of diversifying energy sources to achieve energy security and sustainability.

History

Historically, Guam's transition to low-carbon electricity has been stagnant. From 2015 to 2021, there was no growth in solar electricity generation, with incremental growth only starting in 2022 with an increase of 0.1 TWh. This slow progress in developing solar energy infrastructure reflects a need for intensified efforts and strategic planning to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies. It is crucial for Guam to ramp up its low-carbon electricity generation capacity swiftly to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade