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
With Super Typhoon Bavi now packing maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and forecast to strengthen further as it moves toward the Marianas, emergency officials are urging businesses and residents to treat this weekend as their critical window to prepare for potentially damaging winds.
Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are now in Condition of Readiness 3 as Typhoon Bavi approaches, with both governors urging residents and businesses to use the remaining hours of fair weather to prepare.
Task Force Talon relinquished command to the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-43 ADA), ushering in a new battalion to take over Guam’s air missile defense systems.
Emergency management agencies across the region are urging residents and businesses to execute disaster preparedness plans as Tropical Storm 09W is forecast to rapidly intensify and potentially strike Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as a Category four super typhoon.
