Panama's Etesa Announces Public Consultation for New Panamá II - Bayano Electrical Transmission Line

Empresa de Transmisión Eléctrica, S.A. (Etesa) has initiated a public consultation period for the environmental impact study of a new 230-kilovolt (kV) electrical transmission line project connecting Panamá II and Bayano. This Category II Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is now open for public observation.

The new line is designed to replace the current infrastructure, which was built during the development of the Bayano Dam and Hydroelectric Power Plant. Spanning approximately 73 kilometers with a double circuit of 230 kV, the line will connect the Panamá II substation with the Bayano Hydroelectric Power Plant. It is designed with a capacity of 500 MVA under normal operating conditions and will include a sectionalization for a future substation in Chepo.

The project will traverse several districts in Panama, including Las Garzas, Las Mañanitas, Pacora, Pedregal, San Martín, 24 de Diciembre, and Tocumen in Panama District, as well as Cañita, Chepo Cabecera, El Llano, and Las Margaritas in Chepo District. Etesa plans to utilize existing access roads, with some necessary adaptations, and will primarily build along existing servitudes.

The EIA identifies potential environmental impacts such as alterations to air quality, increased noise and vibrations, soil disturbances, erosion risks, vegetation reduction, and impacts on wildlife. However, it also highlights potential benefits, including job creation, stimulation of the local and regional economy, and the strengthening of Panama's national energy system. The public consultation period will last for eight business days from the last notice publication, allowing citizens to submit observations to the Ministry of Environment.