The National Executive Branch has called for a National and International Public Tender for the award of the concession of the Los Nihuiles Hydroelectric System, located in the Province of Mendoza. The measure was implemented pursuant to Decree No. 667/2026 and forms part of the process for reorganizing strategic hydroelectric concessions in Argentina.
The system comprises the Nihuil I, Nihuil II, and Nihuil III hydroelectric power plants, together with their ancillary generation, transmission, and related infrastructure works, constituting a significant asset within the national energy matrix.
From a legal and regulatory perspective, the process raises several matters of particular interest to investors, operators, and financing parties, including:
– Structuring of the new concession and allocation of risks.
– Regulatory framework applicable to the electricity sector.
– Relationship between the National Government and the Province of Mendoza with respect to the assets subject to the concession.
– Investment, operation, and maintenance obligations.
– Potential opportunities for local and international participants.
For such purposes, the Secretariat of Energy of the Ministry of Economy has been authorized to establish the terms and conditions governing the Tender, jointly with the Ministry of Energy and Environment of the Province of Mendoza, ensuring compliance with all requirements set forth in Article 15 et seq. of Law No. 15,336, as amended from time to time.
The tender constitutes a further step in the redefinition of the management framework applicable to Argentina’s hydroelectric infrastructure and is expected to be closely monitored by the market given its potential impact on the energy and infrastructure sectors.