Electricity in Guam in 2022
In 2022, Guam's electricity consumption is significantly dominated by fossil fuels, with more than 90% of its electricity generated from these sources. While low-carbon, or clean energy, constitutes only a small fraction of the total mix, all of it is attributed to solar power. The solar sector accounts for roughly 8% of the electricity consumption, providing a glimmer of hope for greener energy adoption in Guam. The complete absence of other low-carbon energy sources such as wind or nuclear energy in Guam's energy mix underscores the need for diversification towards cleaner energy solutions, which could help mitigate the environmental impacts of heavy reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Guam?
When examining the trends in electricity usage in Guam, recent data reveals a decline in total electricity consumption per person. In 2022, consumption per capita was around 10,900 kWh, a decrease from the previous high recorded in 2000, which was approximately 12,100 kWh per person. This represents a notable reduction of more than 1,200 kWh per person. However, when focusing on low-carbon electricity consumption, there has been a positive development. The most recent data indicates that Guam's solar power generation has increased since 2019, reflecting an increase of about 350 kWh per person. Although this progress is significant, the overall rate of low-carbon electricity generation is still quite low when compared to the total consumption, signaling the need for even greater growth in this sector.
Suggestions
To effectively boost low-carbon electricity generation, Guam could take inspiration from regions successfully implementing solar and nuclear power. For instance, Nevada stands out with more than a third of its electricity coming from solar energy, illustrating what can be achieved with ample sunny conditions similar to those in Guam. Additionally, nuclear power remains a prominent feature in many regional energy profiles, such as in France and Slovakia, where about two-thirds of electricity comes from nuclear plants. While Guam currently does not use nuclear energy, considering its future implementation alongside effective solar endeavors could greatly enhance its sustainable energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while meeting growing electricity demands. Emulating such diverse clean energy initiatives can position Guam as a forward-thinking region committed to sustainable development.
History
Guam has shown a very modest history of low-carbon electricity generation in recent years, with no significant changes until 2022. From 2015 to 2021, solar energy production remained stagnant without any discernible growth. However, in 2022, a slight increase became apparent, marking an encouraging milestone as solar energy generation increased by 0.1 TWh compared to previous years. This development marks a promising step towards a cleaner energy future for Guam, albeit a small one. The future accessibility and expansion of clean energy solutions remain crucial for Guam's sustainable energy transition. Therefore, fostering continuous growth in these sectors is necessary to ensure significant and lasting impact.
