The push for renewable energy on Guam just got a major boost.

The Consolidated Commission on Utilities has given the Guam Power Authority the green light to pursue a deal that could bring an additional 18.4 megawatts of solar power to the island.

If approved by the Public Utilities Commission, GPA will contract the Pacific Energy Corp. and Landscape Management Systems Consortium to build four small-scale solar farms in Tamuning, Malojloj, Yoña, and Barrigada, adding to the utility’s long-term goal of 330 megawatts of solar generation by 2029.

But while commissioners approved the move without opposition, questions remain about the consortium’s ability to deliver. 

GPA General Manager John Benavente defended the selection process and pointed to a $2.9 million performance bond as a safeguard.

The deal is expected to cost GPA $5 million a year, with energy priced at 17.9 cents per kilowatt-hour.