Spanish energy company Naturgy has started building a new electrical substation in Panama’s Pacifico Special Economic Zone. The project aims to strengthen power supply for the rapidly growing industrial and commercial hub near Panama City. Company officials confirmed the construction is in an advanced stage this week.
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The substation will feature cutting-edge equipment designed to handle increasing electricity demand. It will serve businesses, schools, and residential communities in the area. Naturgy is investing in this infrastructure to support the Panama Pacifico Special Economic Zone, which has attracted dozens of multinational companies in recent years. The zone was built on a former US Air Force base and now hosts logistics, technology, and manufacturing firms.
Advanced Technology for Reliable Power
The new substation uses modern digital monitoring systems. These allow remote control and real-time data analysis. Engineers say this reduces outage risks and improves response times when problems occur.
‘This substation represents a major step forward for energy reliability in the region. We are deploying the latest technology to ensure uninterrupted service for our industrial and residential clients’ [Translated from Spanish]
Naturgy has operated in Panama for over two decades. The Naturgy energy company manages distribution networks serving hundreds of thousands of customers across the country. This project is part of a broader effort to modernize the national grid.
Supporting Economic Growth
Panama Pacifico has become a magnet for foreign investment. The zone houses corporate headquarters, logistics centers, and a growing residential population. Reliable electricity is critical for these operations. The substation will also support Panama energy infrastructure development goals outlined by regional economic authorities.
Construction crews are working on foundations and equipment installation. The project timeline shows completion within months. Local officials expect the substation to go live before the end of 2026.
This investment follows other infrastructure upgrades in the area. Recent Panamá Pacífico construction projects have included road improvements and water system expansions. The zone’s master plan calls for continued development through 2030.
Residents and business owners have reported occasional voltage fluctuations in recent years. The new substation should eliminate these problems. Engineers designed the facility with redundancy systems to prevent single-point failures.
Naturgy has not disclosed the exact investment amount. But company representatives described it as a multimillion-dollar commitment. The project creates dozens of local construction jobs. Once operational, it will require a small permanent staff for maintenance and monitoring.
Panama’s energy regulator approved the project after reviewing demand forecasts. The agency cited strong growth projections for the Pacifico corridor. Industrial electricity consumption in the zone has risen 15 percent annually since 2022.
The substation connects to existing transmission lines running through the area. It will distribute power to both high-voltage industrial users and standard residential circuits. This dual capability makes it unique among recent infrastructure projects in western Panama.