By Pacific Island Times News Staff
The Consolidated Commission on Utilities has approved two emergency power projects that would potentially add up to 54MW of energy to Guam’s power grid over the next six to nine months,
The Guam Power Authority said the projects will render a short-term solution to bridge the gap in Guam's power capacity while awaiting the commissioning of the Ukudu Power Plant, which is anticipated around September.
GPA has awarded a contract to Aggreko for 20 MW of temporary power within
100 days. Additionally, GPA negotiated the assessment and repair of up to 18 Yigo Diesel units to restore an additional 12 to 14 MW of capacity at the Yigo Diesel site.
GPA is anticipating the restoration of the typhoon-damaged 20MW Yigo Combustion turbine in March 2024, which will add about 74MW to the island-wide power system.
Utility officials said the additional power capacity will result in fuel savings over time, which they promised to pass on to Guam's ratepayers.
At Tuesday's meeting, CCU approved a GPA resolution addressing the urgent need for additional power capacity due to damage sustained by Yigo CT resulting in a reduction of 20 MW to GPA’s reserve capacity.
These units have declined in capacity due to required repairs or replacement, hindered by procurement protests.
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The Ukudu power plant was originally scheduled to be up and running in April. However, extensive damage caused by Typhoon Mawar has resulted in project delays.
Another GPA resolution underscores the importance of Yigo Diesel units as an essential part of GPA’s generation capacity until the commissioning and operation of the Ukudu plant.
GPA has identified an alternate site adjacent to the Tenjo Vista Power Plant to place up to 20 MW of additional capacity since the area has access to transmission lines that can accommodate an additional 20 MW of power to export to the grid to serve the southern villages and Naval Station Guam.
This project includes relocating, installing, commissioning, operating, and maintaining these units. The estimated cost for capacity restoration is $5 to $7 million, with annual operating costs of $2-3 million.
"We are pleased to see the CCU’s endorsement for our short-term projects, which are crucial in addressing the challenges affecting power generation on Guam," said John Benavente, GPA general manager.
"We will continue to find innovative solutions to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply for our community as we bridge the gap to the commissioning of the Ukudu Power Plant. We appreciate the continued understanding and cooperation of our customers as we work towards a brighter energy future for Guam," he added.
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