| Work Detail |
The National Energy Secretariat is preparing a series of measures to strengthen the Argentine electrical system, especially during the summer, a time of high demand. Three tenders are expected to be launched in the next two months, which will involve multi-million dollar investments. Below are the details of the works and the problems they seek to resolve: 1. Installation of electric storage batteries: Batteries with a capacity of close to 400 MW will be installed to inject energy during the early afternoon hours, which coincide with the peak of summer consumption and the highest temperatures. This measure seeks to stabilize the system during peak demand and avoid power outages. The estimated investment is approximately 1 billion dollars and will focus on critical nodes of the AMBA (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area). An agreement is proposed between private parties with CAMMESA (Compañía Administración del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico) acting as guarantor. The problem it solves is the vulnerability of the system to peak demand, preventing power outages. 2. Tendering of electric transmission networks: Works to improve the transmission of electric energy will be put out to tender. Although an agreement between private parties is being sought, the need for State participation is recognized to mitigate the risk of the investment. Unlike what was initially thought (a fixed or stamped charge system with advance payment in three years), the payment period will be extended to reduce the impact on rates. This measure seeks to solve bottleneck problems in the transmission of energy, allowing for better distribution and avoiding losses in the system. The problem it solves is the limitation in the capacity of electric energy transport, optimizing the transmission network. 3. Relaunching of thermal generation capacity: A relaunch is planned to incorporate new thermal generation capacity, seeking to replace around 3,000 MW of old plants that are at the end of their useful life. This figure represents approximately 10% of peak demand. This initiative seeks to modernize the generation fleet, increasing the efficiency and reliability of the system, and reducing the risk of failures due to obsolescence. The problem it solves is the obsolescence of part of the thermal generation fleet, improving the reliability of the system and reducing the risk of failures. A common denominator of these three initiatives is the search for greater contractualization between generators and distributors, which implies a reconfiguration of the distributors debts with the State, extending payment terms to improve their credit situation. In addition, these initiatives are designed for the medium and long term, since construction and start-up times are estimated between 12 and 24 months. The news does not mention specific companies that have submitted bids, but it does detail the role of CAMMESA as guarantor in the first two tenders. |
