CIS2026 THURSDAY: Guam reaffirms 100% renewable energy commitment
Guam reaffirmed its push toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future this week with a renewed commitment to the Blue Planet Alliance’s 100 x 100 campaign, reinforcing the island’s long-term goal of reaching 100% renewable energy by 2045.
The recommitment comes at a critical moment for the island, as recovery efforts continue following Super Typhoon Sinlaku—the strongest storm recorded globally in 2026—bringing renewed attention to the connection between energy resilience and disaster preparedness, according to the Governor’s office.
The reaffirmation was formalized during the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability, hosted by the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant. The signing ceremony brought together Gov. Lou A. Leon Guerrero, Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, and Blue Planet Alliance Executive Director Francois Rogers, marking what organizers described as a “concrete action” emerging from the conference discussions on island-led climate solutions.
Speaking on the timing of the commitment, Leon Guerrero emphasized both recovery and forward momentum: “Today, as we move a step closer to full recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, we also reaffirm our commitment to energy independence as a participating member of the Blue Planet Alliance.”
Lt. Gov. Tenorio framed the transition to renewable energy as both an environmental and economic strategy: “The goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2045 is also a pathway to economic prosperity, more resilient infrastructure, and a more secure future.”
At the conference, UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., noted that Guam’s renewable energy mandate, first enacted in 2019, has since grown beyond a local policy into a wider regional effort. He pointed out that Gov. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero signed the law setting targets of 50% renewable energy by 2035 and 100% by 2045, and said the framework has continued to build momentum over time as it is supported by both legislation and regional partnerships, with growing engagement across utility and policy sectors.
Francios Rogers, Blue Planet Alliance executive director, pointed to Guam’s leadership role in shaping broader island energy transitions, describing a growing network of island partners moving toward energy sovereignty. He also introduced the alliance’s expanded 100×100 campaign, which aims to support 100 islands transitioning to 100% renewable energy by 2030: “What this truly means is that, along with Guam, we want to be the leaders in making sure that we have 100 islands in the next five years who will become 100% renewable.”
Leon Guerrero, reflecting on Guam’s earlier commitments and ongoing progress, credited both policy and regional partnerships for helping move the island forward: “I remember, when we signed the Blue Planet Alliance document, where we became a member of the Blue Planet Alliance. As a result of that, we have really evolved and moved on with some really great progress in terms of reaching some of the goals.”
She also acknowledged the broader regional collaboration driving sustainability efforts: “I also want to just shout out to the Micronesia Challenge team, because really, they’re the ones that sort of drive some of these goals.”
Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, who co-chairs the Guam Green Growth Steering Committee with Shelton, emphasized the broader significance of island-led action:
“I think that what this is demonstrating is that islands can empower themselves to make policy directions and to give direction to those that are not only providing energy, but those of us that are in the pathway to enable and get this thing done.”
As Guam continues its energy transition, officials say the renewed commitment through the Blue Planet Alliance signals not only policy continuity, but also a deepening regional alliance—one focused on energy independence, climate resilience, and a shared sustainable future for island communities.