PUC approves new power plants for Guam Power Authority
Guam - It looks like Guam will soon be getting new power plants in Harmon. While the need for more power plants is not up for discussion at this point, Both the PUC and some members of the renewable energy think GPA may not need to build 180 megawatts of combined cycle plants.
While the discussion has shifted from If to When, the PUC and some members of the renewable energy community have questioned GPA’s plan to build 180 megawatts of conventional generation. Jeff Voacolo, COO of Micronesia renewable energy, says Guam should not mortgage their future on conventional energy, when the renewable energy industry is growing fast.
“This industry is moving so fast especially with battery storage, it’s really questionable where are we going to be in two years in five years in ten years and mortgaging the Island of Guam. Even if you do an IPP you’re still paying for that power for the next 30 years,” said Voacolo.
In his testimony to the PUC, Voacolo argued that 60 megawatts or even 100 would be sufficient for Guam considering the advancements in battery storage. Voacolo says that residential battery storage technology is currently positioned to help relieve Guam of some conventional energy.
Read more: http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/business-pnc/utilities/11422
