Argentina Launches Tender for 500 MW Battery Storage

Argentina's Ministry of Economy has launched an international invitation for proposals to develop 500 MW of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA).

The initiative, named 'GBA Storage - AlmaGBA,' requires an estimated investment of USD 500 million and aims to strengthen the country's electricity infrastructure. The project is part of Argentina’s broader Contingency Plan, introduced in October 2024, to address severe deficiencies in the national energy grid. In December 2023, the government declared an emergency in the electricity and gas transmission and distribution sectors, citing aging infrastructure, insufficient network capacity, and a lack of necessary upgrades to meet growing demand.

With an execution timeline of 12 to 18 months, the new storage facilities will be strategically placed in critical grid locations to ensure improved energy reliability, particularly during peak demand periods. Each system must provide at least four hours of continuous energy per full discharge cycle. The completion deadline for all installations is set for December 31, 2028. To participate, bidders must submit financial guarantees of USD 10,000 per MW, calculated based on the maximum offered storage capacity.

Wholesale electricity market operator Cammesa will oversee the bidding process and act as a guarantor for contracts awarded to major power distributors Edenor and Edesur. The project is seen as a major step toward energy modernisation, prioritising private investment and technological innovation to resolve long-standing structural issues. Authorities have encouraged other provinces to replicate similar battery storage initiatives to improve energy security nationwide.

By integrating large-scale battery storage, Argentina aims to stabilise its electricity grid, reduce power shortages, and attract significant private and international investments. This marks a crucial shift in the country's energy strategy, aligning with global trends in energy storage and sustainable infrastructure development.