ETESA has contracted MHI to perform the study and design of static reactive power compensators in substations – Llano Sánchez and Panama II. From 2012 to 2015, an 815-MW increase of hydroelectric power is expected from the western Panamanian region. Due to this planned increase, ETESA intends to strengthen the support of the system’s reactive power to meet the voltage levels established by the transmission regulators. MHI has developed a 4-phased approach to provide the specific services under the contract including electrical studies, engineering and basic design, and preparation of tender and budget documents.

The project commenced in June 2013.