Guam's target for renewable energy is to achieve 50 percent by 2035 and 100 percent by 2045, as stated in P.L. 35-46. The goal is to reduce the island's dependence on imported fossil fuels and promote the adoption of clean and renewable energy sources. According to GPA, the island will achieve 50 percent renewable capacity by 2030.  

“We are going to accelerate the transition process. We have not been taking baby steps. We are taking bigger and bigger, long, measured, and prudent steps. But now, we are going to push the envelope. We are going to push to get to 50 percent, 5 years before P.L. 35-46,” said John Cruz, GPA Assistant General Manager for Engineering and Technical Services. 

GPA General Manager John Benavente’s presentation also highlighted these energy projects that will enable Guam to reach the halfway point soon, including the commissioning of the Mangilao solar farm and the grid-scale 40 MW Energy Storage Systems in Hagåtña and Talofofo. These projects are all integrated into the island’s Clean Energy Plan (Integrated Resource Plan), according to Benavente. 

“Where are we today? We are now in the expansion stage. We are now introducing more renewables and getting the infrastructure in place,” Benavente added. 

However, the success of these initiatives also requires community support, according to Cruz. “We must involve the community in a transparent manner. But to make meaningful progress, we must share the same vocabulary. We must be technically informed. We must be open-minded to find the best solutions for Guam,” he added. 

Meanwhile, Governor Lou Leon Guerrero said the government’s renewable energy programs are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the G3 Action Framework. 

“Our administration and GPA share a common goal of meeting one of the sustainable development goals by ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy for all by leveraging federal investments in efficient and clean energy models and making urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts,” she said at the symposium. 

Leon Guerrero added that GovGuam policies are keeping up with global trends and practices that built up the island’s clean energy transition.  

Around 100 participants attended the renewable energy symposium. GPA organized the symposium as a pre-conference event for the 2023 CIS Conference.  

From April 10 to 15, the UOG-CIS conference at the Hyatt Regency Guam featured presentations and sessions focusing on the theme “Rediscover the Depths of Our Island Abundance.” and innovations and strategies that will collectively move Guam toward a sustainable future.