Guam's new power plant still operating on limited capacity

Ukudu Power Plant/Photo courtesy of GPA

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Negotiations continue between the Guam Power Authority and the contractor, Guam Ukudu Power, to compensate for the limited capacity operation of the Ukudu Power Plant, while awaiting commercial launch in December.

The 198 MW Dededo plant was originally scheduled to be fully commissioned for commercial operation on Sept. 30. 

However, the commissioning has been delayed until the end of the year due to damage found on one of the three gas turbine generators.

Utility officials said GUP has advised that the rotor of the damaged generator is currently being repaired by the manufacturer in Sweden and is expected to return to Guam by the end of October. On-site repairs are also being done on the generator stator, which remained on island.

GPA said discussions are ongoing to determine the process and timing to address the issue through onsite modifications on the other gas turbine generators to avert any future problems and ensure reliability after commissioning.

“Like our customers, we want to see the Ukudu Power Plant fully commissioned and operational, because this project is an investment in Guam’s future,” said John  Benavente, GPA general manager.

Since mid-September GUP has operated continuously, providing up to 124MW of power to GPA’s system under an additional testing agreement, which went into effect on May 30.

GPA said the agreement allows GPA to obtain additional generation during the plant’s pre-commissioning phase, supporting grid stability

When fully commissioned, the Ukudu Power Plant will deliver 198 megawatts of modern, efficient capacity, reducing fuel imports by more than 900,000 barrels per year and supporting GPA’s Clean Energy Master Plan, a roadmap

 toward reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy on a sustained basis for Guam’s families and businesses.

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