Written by: Basant El-Farmawy
Panama City hosted the events of the 8th Ibero-American Energy Law Conference, held on October 15 and 16 under the slogan "Global Energy Transition: Sustainability, Coexistence, and Regulation." This international event was organized by the Ibero-American Association of Energy Law (ASIDE) in cooperation with Externado University in Colombia and the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Panama.
Discussing Energy Transition and Sustainability
The conference aimed to promote the exchange of experiences and knowledge in the regional energy sector, with broad participation from judges, regulators, academics, and public authorities. The sessions focused on analyzing how laws respond to rapid changes in the sector, including renewable energies such as solar and wind energy, biofuels, and hydrocarbons, to provide a comprehensive vision of the sector's evolution.
Attracting Foreign Investments in Panama
During the opening ceremony, the Minister of Energy of the Republic of Panama, Rodrigo Rodríguez, emphasized the importance of utilizing the expertise of specialists to enrich the sector. The Minister pointed to new policies aimed at promoting and attracting foreign investments driven by the directions of the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, affirming that Panama provides a secure investment environment thanks to clear rules and stable standards that attract serious investments.
Regulatory Challenges and Legal Justice
The conference also addressed technological transformations such as the installation of solar panels for self-sufficiency and the proliferation of electric vehicles. Participants also reviewed issues of governance, contracts, financing, dispute resolution, and the legal framework for new technologies. Experts emphasized the need for a solid legal basis for regulatory decisions and tariffs to ensure confidence in decisions and guarantee a balance between service costs and consumer protection.
