Guam’s Green Revolution in Partnership with KEPCO and the Korea East-West Power Consortium

The Ukudu Power Plant in Dededo, Guam, USA is currently undertaking a power plant construction project. This significant project aimed to meet the island’s growing energy requirements with 100% renewable energy, in a reliable and cost-effective manner, while reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The estimated cost of the project is $562 million, representing a substantial investment in modernizing the island’s energy infrastructure.

The project involves collaboration between the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and the Korea East-West Power Consortium, to cooperate on various aspects including planning, financing, management, and construction. The Ukudu Power Plant is expected to significantly reduce Guam’s fuel imports and consumption. It is estimated that fuel imports can be reduced by at least 500,000 barrels per year thanks to high thermal efficiency. This reduction in fuel imports is expected to have a positive economic impact, sustaining $75 million in Guam’s economy. Furthermore, financial benefits will extend to the local community. Reliable energy production capacity is crucial for Guam’s isolated location and ensures the well-being of the local community and supporting the presence of U.S. military. The Ukudu power Plant, combined with low-cost utility-scale renewable energy, is expected to make energy costs more affordable within the next three years. This underscores the project goal of providing both economic and environmental benefits to the region.

Additionally, this project represents an important step toward achieving Guam’s renewable energy goals and reducing dependency on fossil fuels, aligning with global efforts to address climate change and encourage sustainable energy sources. The project was scheduled to be completed in November 2023, but the project schedule was changed due to severe Typhoon Mawar.

References

Admin, Admin. “Guam Launches Kepco’s Ukudu Power Project, Opens Mangilao Solar Farm.” Pactimes, pactimes, 22 July 2022, http://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/gpa-kepco-breaks-ground-on-ukudu-power-launch-mangilao-solar-farm#:~:text=%E2%80%9CIn%20a%20nutshell%2C%20the%20Ukudu,to%20its%20high%20thermal%20efficiency.

Benavente, John M. “Letter: New Ukudu Power Plant Will Save Millions.” Guampdn.Com, 7 Nov. 2021, http://www.guampdn.com/opinion/letter-new-ukudu-power-plant-will-save-millions/article_1e71463c-3f98-11ec-aa11-13c6a85ef89a.html.

John O’Connor | The Guam Daily Post. “New Ukudu Power Plant Breaks Ground.” The Guam Daily Post, 21 July 2022, http://www.postguam.com/news/local/new-ukudu-power-plant-breaks-ground/article_38377862-07fb-11ed-a8f9-dbf5f8ca966e.html.

McClure, Joyce. “GPA Targets November 2023 Completion of UKUDU Power Project.” Pactimes, pactimes, 28 July 2021, http://www.pacificislandtimes.com/post/gpa-targets-november-2023-completion-of-ukudu-power-project.

Person. “Doosan Heavy Clinches $562 MN Guam Power Plant Deal.” KED Global, KED Global, 21 Dec. 2020, http://www.kedglobal.com/power-plants/newsView/ked202012210008.

Image: Person. “Doosan Heavy Clinches $562 MN Guam Power Plant Deal.” KED Global, KED Global, 21 Dec. 2020, http://www.kedglobal.com/power-plants/newsView/ked202012210008.