Over the past two years O3 Energy has been working in the US territory of Guam on the development of solar projects.
With ongoing projects under development ranging from hotels to commercial buildings, as well as projects with both federal and local government, there has been a lot of growth in the past year. In the fall of 2016, O3 Energy opened its Marianas office in Tamuning, Guam and has plans to nearly double personnel by the year’s end.
The growth of renewable energy on the island has been very active recently, with energy costs rising and access to other sources of power becoming more limited. Since August 2016, Guam Power Authority fuel surcharges have risen from $0.086/kWh to more than $0.16/kWh and will continue to rise steadily. This rise in energy cost has sharply increased the demand for solar in the residential and commercial markets.
O3 Energy has worked closely with government leaders to address the need for an increased solar energy presence. The company will continue to provide the necessary input to help shape policy. “The progress and development of solar projects in Guam show great potential for strengthening our economy while preserving our environment,” said Senator Telena Nelson, an oversight chair on Public Housing, Utilities, Public Safety, and Homeland Security in the Guam legislature. “Companies like O3 Energy are helping lead the way to provide clean, renewable energy solutions that allow organizations to lower their energy costs and become more sustainable. The future expansion of solar energy in Guam holds many benefits for both businesses and residents alike. It is my hope that we continue pursuing renewable energy resources in order to create sustainability and prosperity for the generations to come.”
Over the next few months, O3 Energy will be finishing projects including a pair of resort hotels, the Public Defender's Office and the Federal District Courthouse of Guam.
“We are excited to have multiple projects under way here on the island and look forward to [seeing] the continued growth of solar in [the] coming years,” said Karl Pangelinan of O3 Energy. “The unique energy challenges that Guam and the Marianas islands face are not to be ignored, however I am thankful that we can provide a sustainable way forward with alternative solutions through solar power.”
