Buenos Aires – Argentine energy firm PCR is actively pursuing opportunities in the country’s burgeoning energy storage market, while simultaneously expanding its renewable energy portfolio. The company is evaluating participation in a tender for 700 megawatts (MW) of stand-alone Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), a move that reflects a growing global trend toward integrating energy storage with renewable sources. This comes as PCR already boasts a pipeline exceeding 500 MW of wind and solar projects, positioning it as a key player in Argentina’s energy transition.
The interest in battery storage aligns with a broader effort to modernize Argentina’s grid and enhance the reliability of its renewable energy supply. The AlmaSADI battery tender, as it’s known, is designed to address intermittency challenges inherent in wind and solar power, ensuring a more stable and consistent energy flow. PCR’s Director of Institutional Affairs and Communications, Lucas Méndez Trongé, confirmed the company is analyzing the tender’s specifications, acknowledging the anticipated competition. “We are analysing the different nodes included in the AlmaSADI battery tender,” Méndez Trongé said, adding that the company will assess its competitive position in this new market segment.
PCR’s commitment to renewable energy extends beyond battery storage. The company currently operates 545 MW of renewable energy capacity and has an additional 220 MW under construction, according to the firm. This expansion is being fueled by both transmission infrastructure improvements and favorable dispatch priority awards within Argentina’s Renewable Energy Term Market (MATER). The MATER program is a key component of Argentina’s strategy to attract investment in renewable energy projects, offering long-term power purchase agreements and other incentives.
The company detailed its project pipeline during a recent interview at the Future Energy Summit (FES) Argentina. The full interview is available online.
Expanding Solar Capacity in Northern Argentina
A significant portion of PCR’s future growth is focused on solar energy. The company has a solar project planned for northern Argentina with a potential capacity of around 350 MW. This project, known as PS La Aconquija, secured 210 MW in the unified first and second quarter 2025 MATER auction. The development also includes upgrades to the Monte Quemado substation, adding 350 MW of transmission capacity to the grid. These upgrades are crucial for efficiently transporting the generated electricity to demand centers.
Currently, PCR’s photovoltaic footprint is limited to a hybrid wind-solar park in San Luis province. PS La Aconquija represents a strategic move to significantly expand its solar business line. “With this project, we will strengthen PCR’s solar business line, since in photovoltaics we currently only operate a hybrid wind-solar park in San Luis,” Méndez Trongé emphasized. “This would therefore be our next step in solar PV.”
Wind Farm Developments and Infrastructure Upgrades
Alongside the solar expansion, PCR is also progressing with several wind farm projects. The company is undertaking a 37 MW expansion of the Mataco – San Jorge wind farm in Buenos Aires province, increasing its total capacity to 240 MW. The Olavarría wind farm, being developed under Argentina’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), will add approximately 185 MW of new capacity. The Olavarría project is notable for its integration with substantial electrical infrastructure upgrades at the Olavarría and Ezeiza substations, enhancing transmission capacity along the 500 kV line connecting Bahía Blanca and Abasto.
Construction of the Olavarría wind farm is reportedly on schedule, with around 20 turbine foundations already completed as of early 2024. PCR anticipates the transmission system expansion will be inaugurated at the end of March or early April, potentially with the participation of national authorities.
Navigating Argentina’s Regulatory Landscape
PCR underscored the importance of a stable regulatory environment for continued investment in Argentina’s renewable energy sector. The Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), which offers benefits for large-scale projects, has been instrumental in attracting capital. However, its USD 200 million minimum investment requirement limits its applicability to smaller projects. The Olavarría wind farm qualified for RIGI due to its integration with significant electrical infrastructure improvements.
Looking ahead, PCR and other industry stakeholders are advocating for the renewal or extension of Law No. 27,191, which is set to expire at the end of 2025. This law has been credited with mobilizing more than USD 8 billion in investment over the past decade. A bill is currently before Congress, championed by the Chamber of Renewable Energy Generators and Value Chain (CEA), where PCR currently holds the presidency. The CEA is pushing for the legislation to ensure continued fiscal stability and incentivize further investment in renewable energy.
“In short, RIGI is a useful tool, but for smaller projects, we still need Law No. 27,191, because it provides the same stability umbrella as RIGI,” Méndez Trongé concluded. “What the sector is seeking is investment certainty and clear rules of the game.”
The future of Argentina’s renewable energy sector hinges on maintaining a supportive regulatory framework. The upcoming months will be critical as lawmakers consider the extension of Law No. 27,191, a decision that will significantly impact the pace of investment and development in the years to approach. The CEA plans to actively lobby for the bill’s passage in March, aiming to secure a stable future for renewable energy projects across the country.
If you are interested in learning more about renewable energy investment opportunities in Argentina, please consult with a qualified financial advisor.
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