This is a new step to concrete the electric interconnection project, an initiative that shows the will of both governments to promote binational integration.

Bogotá, April 1 (SP). With the presence of the Presidents of Panamá, Martín Torrijos, and Colombia, Álvaro Uribe Vélez, the binational Electric Interconnection Company Colombia – Panamá S.A. began to work at Panamá City. This company will be responsible for make possible, build and operate the line for energy transmission between both countries.

According to Electric Interconnection S.A. (ISA) this is an important landmark in the consolidation of a binational project, promoted by both presidents, as part of the integration process of the countries.

Before this, on August 2008, both Presidents signed in Cartagena an intention act that brought a new dynamic to integration.

This document was ratified in 2009 with the agreement under seal by the National Energy Secretary of Panamá and the Ministry of Mines and Energy of Colombia, to develop and implement in a coordinated way the operative and commercial scheme to allow electric energy exchange.

The new firm has equal participation from ISA company form Colombia and the Electric Transmission Company (Etesa) from Panamá.

The electric interconnection between Colombia and Panamá is based on a binational integration vision of regional energy markets, to advance in the improvement of quality and reliability, the optimization of available resources and lower cost rates for the final users.

According to ISA, the project has technical and environmental feasibility studies, developed according to the criteria of environmental authorities of both countries.    

These studies was financed by the Inter American Development Bank, through regional technical cooperation non refundable.

The line for electric transmission will connect Colombia and Panamá from the sub station of Cerromatoso, in Córdoba Department, to the Panamá II sub station, IN Panamá province. It will be developed with a technology known as direct high tension current energy transmission (Hvdc)