Argentina's federal energy department has implemented several changes to the rules governing the Mater term market, aimed at accelerating renewables penetration.

Mater serves as a platform where large consumers, such as factories, request power from renewables generators. The changes seek to address the lack of transmission capacity, which has been a hurdle to the growth of Argentina's installed wind and solar capacity. With a goal of obtaining at least 20% of power from non-conventional renewables by 2025, the country aims to boost private power purchase agreements (PPAs) from corporates and encourage the transfer of existing plants to Mater.

One key change introduced is the concept of "priority dispatch for expansions associated with Mater projects." This ensures that new transport capacity is reserved for renewables projects that carry out grid work, such as building new lines and expanding transformer stations, at their own expense. The resolution also includes provisions for pumping payments into a transmission works fund managed by wholesale power market administrator Cammesa and allows for priority dispatch flexibility in heavily congested transmission corridors.

In addition to the Mater market changes, the state energy firm of the Argentine province Santa Fe, EPE, has launched a tender for 20MW of solar PV capacity. The project, with a budget of US$62 million, will grant 20-year offtake contracts and seeks to establish four plants of 5MW each in different locations.

Furthermore, Argentina's federal energy department is preparing for an auction of 3GW of thermoelectric capacity, including plans for a combined-cycle plant at the Vaca Muerta hydrocarbons formation. The country may also establish a mixed ownership company to operate three hydroelectric plants currently run by AES, Enel, and Orazul Energy. Additionally, Buenos Aires thermoelectric generator Dock Sud is seeking grid access for a 72MW combined-cycle expansion.

These initiatives reflect Argentina's commitment to diversifying its energy mix and expanding renewable and thermoelectric capacities to meet its clean energy goals and enhance the reliability of its power supply.

Source: bnamericas.com