Argentina’s oversubscribed BESS tender draws record-low bids

The Argentine Energy Secretariat has received bids for its open national and international call to install large-scale battery storage systems (BESS) in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA). Although the target was 500 MW, the tender attracted 27 proposals from 15 companies, totaling 1,347 MW – far exceeding expectations.

Competition proved intense. Argentina’s wholesale electricity market administrator CAMMESA’s specifications had set a reference price of $15,000/MW/month, but most bids came in well below that level. The government had established an award threshold at 94% of the reference price – around $14,100/MW/month – but exceptionally competitive bids led to an expansion of the award capacity

Of the 27 proposals, seven were selected, mainly companies with a strong market presence:

• Central Puerto emerged as the standout: it offered 150 MW at $10,161/MW/month—nearly 40 % below the reference price. Another 55 MW project through its subsidiary, Central Costanera, was awarded at $11,147/MW/month.

• MSU Green Energy was awarded 150 MW at $11,290/MW/month

• Southern Wind secured contracts at $11,461/MW/month

• Genneia and Coral Energía (part of the Corven Group) also won bids.

Other companies that had offered significant volumes, such as Sullair Argentina (144 MW), were not selected.

Awarded prices ranged from $10,161 to $12,400/MW/month, with a weighted average of $11,336/MW/month.

The Edenor concession area will host 440 MW, while Edesur will receive 77 MW.

This AlmaGBA tender signifies a transformation in Argentina’s Wholesale Electricity Market (MEM). For the first time, contracts are being signed directly between generators and distributors, with CAMMESA serving as guarantor—not as offtaker.

The procurement seeks to strengthen critical AMBA nodes, improve network reliability, and encourage private sector restructuring.

Next steps

The official schedule states that:

• August 29: Projects will be formally awarded.
• September 5: Contracts will be signed.
• January 1, 2027: The awarded projects must begin operating.
• December 31, 2028: Final commissioning deadline

Each contract will be valid for 15 years from the date it enters into commercial operation.

From pv magazine LatAm