BY KATIE AIZON
Journal Staff
The Guam Hybrid Land Use Commission approved a request for a conditional use permit for the Pacific Energy Corporation to begin construction of photovoltaic facilities in the village of Yona, on Thursday, June 25.
This project is a part of GPA's “Phase IV” initiative awarded to PEC and Land Management Systems, Inc. in Dec. 2023 to develop four solar farms across the island, to provide up to 18.4 MW of renewable energy.
PEC, represented by W.B. Flores & Associates, appeared before GHLUC commissioners for approval to begin construction on the Pulantat site, occupying 27 acres, situated between Leo Palace and the Pulantat Substation.
The other solar farms are in Barrigada, Malojloj, and Tamuning. During the presentation, concerns were brought up by commissioners regarding cultural preservation and environmental impacts after learning that latte stones occupied more of the property than expected.
According to William “Willy” Flores, during the initial archaeological survey of the sites more latte stones had been found and some technically disturbed after debris accidentally fell on the latte stones during the clearing process. Flores explained that the issue had been resolved and actions regarding the latte stone were discussed after consultations with the Department of Parks & Recreation State Historic Preservation Office, Yona Mayor's Office, and the project's archaeological consultant.
“The latte stones will be protected,” he said. Currently, land clearing is still ongoing and is expected to be completed within the next two months, with the solar farm to be built shortly after. Earlier this year, the GHLUC approved applications for construction in the municipalities of Barrigada, near the former Radio Barrigada Golf Course on Feb. 12. A proposed zoning change request to develop one of the sites in Tamuning, near Two Lover’s Point, was also approved by GLUC on the same day.
These projects are an overall part of GPA’s Clean Energy Master Plan in compliance with Public Law 29-62 to provide 50% of the island’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and 100% by 2040. mbj
Journal Staff
The Guam Hybrid Land Use Commission approved a request for a conditional use permit for the Pacific Energy Corporation to begin construction of photovoltaic facilities in the village of Yona, on Thursday, June 25.
This project is a part of GPA's “Phase IV” initiative awarded to PEC and Land Management Systems, Inc. in Dec. 2023 to develop four solar farms across the island, to provide up to 18.4 MW of renewable energy.
PEC, represented by W.B. Flores & Associates, appeared before GHLUC commissioners for approval to begin construction on the Pulantat site, occupying 27 acres, situated between Leo Palace and the Pulantat Substation.
The other solar farms are in Barrigada, Malojloj, and Tamuning. During the presentation, concerns were brought up by commissioners regarding cultural preservation and environmental impacts after learning that latte stones occupied more of the property than expected.
According to William “Willy” Flores, during the initial archaeological survey of the sites more latte stones had been found and some technically disturbed after debris accidentally fell on the latte stones during the clearing process. Flores explained that the issue had been resolved and actions regarding the latte stone were discussed after consultations with the Department of Parks & Recreation State Historic Preservation Office, Yona Mayor's Office, and the project's archaeological consultant.
“The latte stones will be protected,” he said. Currently, land clearing is still ongoing and is expected to be completed within the next two months, with the solar farm to be built shortly after. Earlier this year, the GHLUC approved applications for construction in the municipalities of Barrigada, near the former Radio Barrigada Golf Course on Feb. 12. A proposed zoning change request to develop one of the sites in Tamuning, near Two Lover’s Point, was also approved by GLUC on the same day.
These projects are an overall part of GPA’s Clean Energy Master Plan in compliance with Public Law 29-62 to provide 50% of the island’s electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030 and 100% by 2040. mbj
