Argentina’s first energy storage tender receives 1,347 MW of bids

The Argentinian government opened the bids this week for its AlmaGBA tender process. The international tender, first announced in February, aimed to secure 500 MW of energy storage capacity for critical points in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA) grid.

In a strong show of interest, 15 companies submitted 27 different project proposals. These represent a combined investment commitment of over $1 billion and a total of 1,347 MW of power, significantly exceeding the 500 MW sought by the tender. Eligible BESS for the tender must be new and must supply power for at least four consecutive hours per full discharge cycle, impying a maximum capacity

The goal of the initiative is to improve the electricity grid’s reliability, reduce marginal costs, and guarantee supply during peak demand, helping to prevent blackouts. The government’s estimated investment for the projects is around $500 million USD, with a required completion timeline of 12 to 18 months.

The ender will pay a fixed $10/MW of electricity supplied and energy storage capacity bids must have a maximum cost of $15,000/MW/month.

Successful bids will be awarded on August 29, 2025. Storage contracts will then be signed with the distribution companies Edenor and Edesur, with the operation guaranteed by the Wholesale Electricity Market Administration Company (CAMMESA). CAMMESA will act as guarantor for payments, for up to one year, in the event of non-payment by electricity distributors Edenor and Edesur.

Following the success of this process, the national government is now encouraging provincial authorities to replicate this model and organize similar tenders to address critical grid points that CAMMESA has already identified in other regions of the country.

From pv magazine LatAm.