Panama will launch two new capacity and energy tenders in 2027 that will include significant participation from battery energy storage systems (BESS), according to National Energy Secretariat (SNE) Secretary Rodrigo Rodríguez J., who made the announcement during the opening of Energyear Central America 2026 in Panama City on Tuesday.
“Battery storage systems will have an important participation in the upcoming tenders,” Rodríguez said. The SNE is currently reviewing the country’s procurement program and expects to present, by November or December at the latest, the capacities to be contracted and the technologies eligible to participate.
The official said the design of the tenders is based on an assessment of demand growth and the future generation mix. “We are carrying out a very detailed and careful evaluation to determine demand requirements, the generation fleet we want to continue developing, and how to incorporate new technologies,” he said.
Rodríguez added that the timeline must give investors and developers enough time to prepare their bids, ruling out a rushed tender process before the necessary technical studies are completed.
The tenders planned for 2027 will continue Panama’s 2026-2028 procurement program and follow two auctions awarded in March this year. The first sought new renewable generation capacity and attracted mainly wind and hydropower proposals, with projects expected to come online in the coming years.
The second auction was a long-term procurement process aimed at expanding contracted coverage for electricity demand. It received more than 70 bids, with nearly all requested capacity and energy awarded, according to the SNE.
The process also included a dedicated block for converting thermal power plants currently running on liquid fuels to natural gas. The converted facilities are expected to begin operations in July 2029, and the requirement was awarded.
The tenders were coordinated with Panama’s National Authority for Public Services (ASEP) and were designed to avoid increases in electricity tariffs. “That was achieved, and the figures show it,” Rodríguez said.
The secretary said the procurement program aims to improve contracting efficiency, ensure supply security, and increase grid flexibility as Panama integrates more variable renewable energy
“In the end, demand must remain the main objective. By demand, I mean consumers and final customers,” Rodríguez concluded.
