Noticias

Central Puerto and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, sign an agreement to advance feasibility studies for the first transmission line dedicated to supplying renewable energy to mining companies in northwest Argentina.

These studies will assess the technical, economic, and environmental feasibility of the project, which aims to interconnect mining projects in the Argentine Puna region with the Argentine Interconnection System (SADI), ensuring a reliable supply of renewable energy through private agreements.

“Mining in northwest Argentina is a strategic sector for the economic growth of our country. In the face of an international market increasingly demanding critical minerals essential for the energy transition, this project addresses the need for mining companies to improve their competitiveness through reliable, efficient, and cost-effective energy solutions,” highlighted Fernando Bonnet, CEO of Central Puerto.

“At IFC, we aim to accelerate the global energy transition, and the private sector in Argentina has the potential to be a leader in the industry. Our collaboration with Central Puerto contributes to these efforts by prioritizing renewable energy and supporting the sustainable mining industry with the necessary infrastructure to also reach its full potential,” said Alfonso García Mora, IFC Vice President for Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean.Con una inversión total estimada de USD 600 millones; la iniciativa de Central Puerto contempla la construcción de una línea de alta tensión (LAT) de aproximadamente 140 kilómetros con origen en la Estación Transformadora (ET) Puna. El proyecto prevé una capacidad potencial de hasta 400 MW ofreciendo suministro energético competitivo principalmente de origen renovable.

With a total estimated investment of USD 600 million, Central Puerto’s initiative includes the construction of a high-voltage transmission line (LAT) of approximately 140 kilometers, originating from the Puna Transformer Station (ET). The project is expected to have a potential capacity of up to 400 MW, offering competitive energy supply, primarily from renewable sources.

The new infrastructure will not only benefit the mining industry, but will also supply power to communities near the areas affected by the installation of this new transmission line, which are currently isolated.

This continuous energy supply will contribute to the development of these communities, improving their quality of life and fostering their growth. In addition to strengthening the competitiveness of the mining industry, this project has the potential to drive both regional and national economic development.

Currently, mining represents just 0.7% of Argentina’s GDP, far below the 8% to 10% reached in countries like Chile and Peru. This effort aims not only to close that gap but also to position Argentina as a leader in the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Building on the legacy of previous collaborations between Central Puerto and IFC in financing projects under the RenovAR and MATER tender schemes, this initiative will provide mining companies with access to a constant supply of renewable energy. Additionally, it will be supported by a robust interconnection infrastructure with the SADI, facilitating future long-term PPA contracts between supply and demand.

The joint effort of Central Puerto and IFC aims to transform northwest Argentina into a key hub for renewable energy generation and sustainable mining, contributing to the country’s economic growth and enhancing its competitive positioning on the global stage.

We continue generating #EnergyWIthFuture

Buenos Aires, December 5, 2024