Electricity in Guam in 2022
In 2022, electricity consumption in Guam was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, with more than 90% of the electricity produced coming from these non-sustainable sources. Low-carbon electricity contributed under a tenth of the total consumption, with solar energy comprising all of this clean energy at nearly 8%. This mismatch highlights a significant dependence on fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and air pollution, underscoring the urgent need for a transition to more sustainable methods of electricity generation.
Is Electricity Growing in Guam?
Analyzing the trend in Guam's electricity consumption reveals that it has decreased since the year 2000 when consumption was at its peak of approximately 12,123 kWh per person. As of 2022, the per capita electricity consumption had decreased by about 1,223 kWh. However, there has been a positive trend regarding clean energy advancements; per person, low-carbon electricity generation increased by 353 kWh from 2019 to 2022. While overall electricity consumption shows a downward trajectory, the increase in low-carbon electricity generation is promising and hints at a gradual shift towards more sustainable energy solutions.
Suggestions
To further increase low-carbon electricity generation, Guam can take cues from regions and countries that have successfully integrated solar and nuclear energy. For solar energy, looking at Nevada, where solar makes up nearly 30% of electricity generation, and Greece, with a solar contribution of 25%, could be particularly instructive. For nuclear energy, France stands out, with close to 70% of its electricity derived from nuclear power. Embracing both solar and nuclear energy as key components of its energy strategy could significantly help Guam reduce its reliance on fossil fuels while meeting growing electricity demands sustainably and safely.
History
Guam's journey with low-carbon electricity, specifically solar, has been mostly stagnant over the past decade. Between 2015 and 2021, there was no increase in solar electricity generation. However, the year 2022 marked a small yet positive shift with a 0.1 TWh increase in solar generation. Despite this modest progress, the preceding years of stagnation suggest that Guam has not leveraged its full potential for solar energy. This baseline growth should be seen as a stepping stone to expand clean energy further, aligning with global trends and addressing environmental and energy security concerns.