The Guam Power Authority announced the Ukudu Combined Cycle Combustion Turbine Power Plant was commissioned, several days ahead of its Dec. 31 deadline.
The utility said in a statement on Dec. 25, the new power plant represents more than 13 years of planning, development, and construction, and reflects an investment of about $600 million in Guam’s energy future.
GPA announced commissioning of the Ukudu Combined Cycle Combustion Turbine Power Plant on Dec. 25. Photo by Skyler Obispo
GPA’s General Manager John M. Benavente, said the construction of the Ukudu plant was fraught with a number of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Typhoon Mawar, and a prolonged generation capacity shortfall.
“As Guam enters a new year, Ukudu brings us closer to delivering cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy on a sustained basis, helping power Guam’s future and the next generation who will depend on it,” he said.
GPA said the commissioning strengthens system reliability and supports the utility’s long-term strategy to reduce fuel dependence. At a Nov. 18 media briefing, the utility said that the Ukudu plant could save more than 900,000 barrels of oil annually which equates to about $90 million in savings (at roughly $100 per barrel). mbj
Regional leaders, government officials, and industry executives gathered at the Guam International Airport Authority on Wednesday, July 22 for the inaugural session of the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Working Group, driving a unified regional effort to expand the Guam-CNMI Visa Waiver Program to include the Philippines.
The commercial adult-use cannabis industry on Guam has officially launched following the issuance of the island's first recreational cannabis cultivation license to local grower Stephen Roberto, operator for Deep Green Guam of Guam Real Deal, LLC.
The Guam Economic Development Authority awarded $316,857.94 in grant funding to 17 local community organizations and public agencies during a check presentation ceremony at Adelup on Wednesday, July 15.
