Electricity in Guam in 2022

In 2022, Guam's electricity consumption was overwhelmingly reliant on fossil fuels, constituting nearly 95% of the total electricity generated. Only a minor fraction, about 5%, came from low-carbon sources, specifically solar energy. This indicates a significant dependence on non-renewable and polluting sources of energy, contributing to issues such as climate change and air pollution. The current state of electricity generation in Guam underscores the urgent need for diversification towards cleaner energy alternatives to achieve sustainable development.

Suggestions

Guam can consider increasing its low-carbon electricity generation by learning from other countries that have successfully incorporated various forms of green energy. For instance, Denmark generates over 60% of its electricity from wind power, showcasing the feasibility of harnessing wind on a large scale. For regions similar to Guam, such as Cape Verde which gets 14% of its electricity from wind, or Cyprus with around 17% from solar, these examples demonstrate the potential for island nations to adopt wind and solar technologies effectively. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy like nations such as France, where 67% of electricity is sourced from nuclear power, could provide a stable and substantial increase in clean energy for Guam.

History

Historically, Guam's adoption of low-carbon electricity has been minimal. Since 2015, solar energy generation has seen no significant increases, with each year from 2015 to 2022 showing no change in electricity generation. This stagnation suggests that there have been missed opportunities or lack of investment in enhancing solar infrastructure. As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, it is crucial for Guam to accelerate its efforts in expanding low-carbon energy sources such as solar, wind, and potentially nuclear power. Without proactive change, the island may continue to face the adverse impacts of its heavy reliance on fossil fuels.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources