Currently, electricity consumption in Guam relies heavily on fossil sources, accounting for more than ninety percent of the total. Clean energy makes up a much smaller fraction of the electricity mix, with solar energy providing all of the low-carbon electricity at around eight percent. With low-carbon sources representing such a modest portion of Guam's electricity generation, the necessity to transition away from fossil fuels is clear. This would help reduce the harmful effects of climate change and air pollution, while supporting more sustainable development.

Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Guam?

When considering the growth of electricity consumption in Guam, there is a noticeable decline. In 2022, the per-person consumption was approximately 10,900 kWh, which is over 1,200 kWh lower than the peak recorded in 2000. Despite this drop in overall consumption, the generation of low-carbon electricity has seen an encouraging rise. In the same year, clean electricity from solar reached 848 kWh per person, a substantial increase from the 494 kWh recorded in 2019. This trend in low-carbon electricity generation is promising, yet more needs to be done to reverse the decline in overall electricity consumption and meet the demands of a modern, electrified society.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation, Guam can look to regions that have successfully expanded clean energy. Solar energy presents a significant opportunity for Guam, inspired by the progress made in states like Nevada and California, where solar accounts for 30% and 21% of electricity, respectively. Furthermore, embracing nuclear energy can also heavily contribute to low-carbon generation. Countries like France and Slovakia have successfully leveraged nuclear power, generating nearly two-thirds of their electricity with this reliable and sustainable source. By prioritizing solar and considering nuclear development, Guam can significantly boost its clean electricity output.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Guam, particularly solar, has been relatively stagnant until recently. From 2015 to 2021, no substantial changes were made in solar electricity generation, marking a decade of no growth. However, 2022 saw a positive shift with an increase of 0.1 TWh in solar generation, indicating an encouraging start toward a more sustainable energy mix. This step forward should serve as a foundation for more ambitious efforts to scale clean electricity generation, moving past this period of stagnation and realizing the potential for solar—and perhaps nuclear—energy in Guam.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade