Public Procurement: Energy, Telecommunications and Others
Since the market’s inception over 30 years ago, we have been a strategic ally for both international and national clients in the public procurement sector. Our comprehensive support extends from the initial public bidding stage to financing and construction. Notably, we excel in advising on projects related to energy transmission, ports, telecommunications, oil and gas, and renewable energies.
In the realm of telecommunications, during the late 1990s, we represented Bellsouth in the privatization process of Panama’s first cellular network. Since then, we have consistently provided guidance to major cellular operators.
Our assistance spans complex regulatory matters for both international and national clients, including administrative and judicial litigation related to telecommunications. We actively engage with regulators, competitors, and other industry stakeholders.
Furthermore, we have served as legal advisors to numerous international engineering and telecommunications firms that have been awarded contracts for hydroelectric installations, energy transmission systems, and other significant projects.
Our representation extends to financial institutions, hydroelectric power generators, wind and solar plants, and liquefied natural gas (GNL) in electric project financing.
Our services encompass:
- Representation before regulators (such as the Public Services Authority and the National Energy Secretariat).
- Ongoing legal assistance within Panama’s energy regulatory framework.
- Due diligence processes and acquisitions of energy generation and distribution companies.
- Legal advice on all regulatory matters associated with the establishment and daily operations of Petroleum Free Zones in Panama, representing both terminal operators and key players in the oil and gas industry.
Acknowledgments
- "Alfaro, Ferrer & Ramírez's team masters the regulatory framework, has a deep knowledge of energy projects, and is able to handle complex situations. The lawyers offer practical and efficient responses." Client for Chambers and Partners, Latin America 2024.
- Co-head of department Annette Bárcenas is well placed to assist clients with the financing, construction and development of energy transmission and oil and gas projects. She is also routinely seen handling regulatory and permitting matters for renewable energy projects in Panama. Chambers and Partners Latin America – 2023
- Alfaro Ferrer & Ramírez garners praise from clients for its ‘extensive experience and knowledge‘ in the full range of projects and energy matters, including public procurement and concessions, project finance, regulatory matters, and the sale and acquisition of energy companies. The Legal 500 Latin America – 2023
Notable Transactions:
- Provide legal, regulatory, and commercial assistance to PUMA (FUTURE ENERGY DIVISION) new green project in the region. The objective of these projects is to convert gas stations into fully “energy-sustainable” facilities by installing solar panel systems as energy generators.
- Offered regulatory legal support to POLARIS ENERGY, a Toronto-based company that operates, acquires, and develops renewable energy projects in Latin America. Their plans include acquiring several energy projects in Panama, including the recent acquisition of 100% ownership of the 10 MW Chuspa run-of-river hydroelectric project in Panama from Navitas Holdings Inc.
- Represented Telecom Italia Sparkle, a publicly traded telecommunications company, in a collaborative effort with a local telecommunications company to establish a significant regional data center in Panama.
- Handled the representation of PNE AG in the development of a $100 million wind farm project in the Coclé region. This project is one of the major wind energy initiatives in Panama, involving the installation of 12 wind turbines with a total generation capacity of 65 megawatts.
