AES Panama leads with innovation at World Energy Week 2025
October 9, 2025
Panama consolidated its position as a hub for global energy dialogue by bringing together more than 370 leaders from 50 countries during World Energy Week 2025, organized by the World Energy Council (WEC) from October 6–9 in Panama City. This event, considered one of the most influential in the sector, reaffirmed the country as a strategic international hub for innovation, cooperation, and the development of solutions toward a more sustainable and resilient future.
During the event, major developments for the region were announced. Notably, the 2025-2028 electricity tender schedule was unveiled, outlining investments exceeding $650 million for plant conversion and the addition of new renewable capacity with storage systems. There was also renewed momentum behind the Panama–Colombia electrical interconnection project, considered key for regional energy integration and exchange between Central and South America. In addition, the National Biofuels Program was highlighted, designed to strengthen agricultural development and help reduce pollutant emissions.
In this context, AES Panama had an outstanding participation, contributing its expertise in technological innovation, sustainability, and an inclusive energy transition. 
Leadership Participation
Mayka McCalla, Global Vice President of Organizational Development at AES Corporation, participated in the international panel “Energising Abundance: Realising Success Beyond Supply.” McCalla emphasized the importance of rethinking the traditional energy model, which focuses solely on supply, to incorporate demand perspectives and strategic cooperation. “Energy abundance requires innovation, collaboration, and shared infrastructure. Only in this way will we achieve safer, more sustainable, and more equitable outcomes in an interdependent world,” she stated, underscoring the commitment to resilience and inclusion.
Meanwhile, engineer Luis Quepi, Control Systems Coordinator at AES Panama, took part in the panel “Sustainability and Energy Security in Panama and the Region.” He shared the company’s experience in applying artificial intelligence to optimize energy operations. “With a $5 million investment in artificial intelligence, we have achieved $54 million in savings, while significantly improving real-time fault detection and prevention,” Quepi noted, demonstrating the direct impact of innovation on the reliability and security of the electrical system.
International Visit to the LNG Plant in Colón
As the official closing of World Energy Week, AES Panama opened the doors of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant and terminal in the city of Colón, Panama to international representatives from the energy sector. Visitors gained firsthand insight into the competitive advantages Panama offers as a regional LNG hub, as well as the investment and cooperation opportunities provided by the company.
The visit reinforced the company’s role as a driver of innovation and its commitment to developing energy solutions that promote sustainability and system resilience.
Panama as a Strategic Hub
During plenary sessions and parallel panels, national authorities reaffirmed the country’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy transition. They emphasized the importance of transparency, regulatory predictability, and openness to new investments as key factors for attracting capital and building trust in the sector.
Ángela Wilkinson, Secretary General of the WEC, and Adnan Amin, Chair of the WEC, recognized Panama’s role as a natural bridge between the Global North and South, praising its leadership in Latin American energy integration.
AES Panama’s Commitment
“AES Panama reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable energy development of Panama and the region,” said Miguel Bolinaga, President of AES Panama. “Technological innovation, infrastructure investment, and strategic collaboration are pillars that will guide the construction of an inclusive and resilient energy future, capable of generating value for the country, its communities, and our international partners.”
Through its active participation in discussions and the opening of its strategic facilities, AES Panama positioned itself as a key player during World Energy Week 2025, projecting a vision of responsible and sustainable leadership in the regional and global landscape.