Colombia-Panama power link 'a reality', says ISA InterColombia head

A power link between Colombia and Panama is on track to begin operating as soon as 2028, the head of energy transmission company ISA InterColombia told BNamericas. 

Officials from both countries agreed to accelerate plans for the long-mooted project during a meeting in Bogotá on Monday. 

"The project is being worked on by our parent company, ISA, and the idea is that we are going to build it with Panama's Etesa," ISA InterColombia general manager Carlos Mario Caro said in a telephone interview. 

The high-voltage interconnection was first proposed in 2001 but plans have been stymied by environmental and social concerns.

According to preliminary information, the 500kV direct current line would span 500km – 220km in Panama and 150km in Colombia – and include a 130km underwater section. Overall investment in the project is expected to total US$800mn.

The latest proposed route avoids the Darién Gap, a remote 100km stretch of rainforest known for its dense vegetation, challenging terrain and security risks.

Caro said environmental impact studies are at an advanced stage while negotiations are underway to secure financing.

"The talks have given much more strength to the project and in 2025 we are going to work hard to finish the environmental impact studies, to complete the prior consultations in Colombia and to start looking at the equipment that will be needed for the project," he said. 

"With the support that was given [on Monday] by the two governments, we believe that it is already a reality and that this project will be in service in the next four or five years."

Colombian officials have said the link would pave the way for renewable energy exports from the Guajira peninsula to Central America's Siepac grid while reinforcing domestic supply, particularly during El Niño drought cycles.

"It will reinforce the energy security of both countries and the region," Caro added. The full interview with Caro will be published in the coming days.