UOG surveys shows strong support for ocean renewable energy
UOG surveys shows strong support for ocean renewable energy
UOG surveys shows strong support for ocean renewable energy
7/7/2025
A recent survey conducted by the University of Guam's Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) indicates strong support among Guam residents toward developing ocean renewable energy.
The survey explored public perception across various ocean renewable energy technologies. A significant majority of respondents expressed support for their development in Guam:
- Wave Energy: 72.65% would support its development.
- Tidal Energy: 67.57% would support its development.
- Marine Current Energy: 67.35% would support its development.
- Offshore Wind Energy: 64.08% would support its development.
- Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): 57.6% would support its development, though this technology had the lowest prior awareness among those surveyed (26.44%).
While awareness of these technologies varied, with wave energy being the most recognized (46.62% had heard of it prior to the survey) and OTEC the least, the support levels remain consistently high.
“While we continue to explore the sustainable growth of our island and the responsible management of the resources we have available to us, it is important to listen and understand how our community feels about another potential form of energy being available,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D. “There is a great amount of support for the exploration of ocean renewable energy and we look forward to continuing research into these innovative solutions for a sustainable future.”
Beyond specific technologies, the survey highlighted a general positive sentiment towards ocean renewable energy with 75.12% of respondents saying they either "Agree" or "Strongly Agree" that they are in favor of developing ocean renewable energy as a renewable source for Guam. 80.19% said that overall, they support ocean renewable energy and 78.26% feel that its development in Guam is a worthwhile pursuit.
According to the results, respondents also foresee several benefits from the development of ocean renewable energy including 71.04% who believe it can reduce carbon emissions if implemented commercially, 77.04% feel it can increase local understanding of environmental and energy issues, 79.65% believe it will create jobs in Guam and 69.4% believe it will help lower electricity prices for residents.
Despite the strong support, some concerns were also noted.
Many were concerned of the impact ocean energy infrastructure would have on the ocean wildlife populations around Guam. 26.51% believe it will change ocean currents enough to harm ocean life. 16.71% feel it's not a good use of taxpayer money and 36.36% agreed or strongly agreed that infrastructure could lead to the disruption of fishing practices, and 45.08% believe it will lead to limiting access to fishing areas.
The survey was funded through a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Sea Grant College Program and was conducted through partnerships with the United States Department of Energy’s Water Power Technologies Office and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL).
The survey was conducted digitally between August and December 2024 and included responses from a sample of 552 Guam residents across all genders and demographics.
The findings suggest a promising environment for ocean renewable energy development on Guam, with strong public support driven by perceived environmental and economic benefits, alongside an awareness of potential challenges.