AMBA I power transmission project: tender launched

On August 12, 2026, the Secretariat of Energy published Resolution No. 202/2026 in the Official Gazette, authorizing the call for bids for the expansion works of the high-voltage electricity transmission system corresponding to the “AMBA I” project, under the public works concession regime established by Law No. 17,520.

AMBA I forms part of the Transmission System Expansion Plan and is aimed at increasing capacity and strengthening the reliability of the electricity system in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, which accounts for approximately 40% of Argentina’s electricity demand.

The project comprises various electricity transmission works organized into two stages, including a new transformer station, expansions and upgrades to existing facilities, and new 500 kV, 220 kV and 132 kV transmission lines. Both stages may be carried out partially or entirely in parallel.

The successful bidder will be required to incorporate a special purpose vehicle that will enter into the public works concession agreement and will be responsible for the construction and commercial operation of the works and, where applicable, their subsequent operation and maintenance. In respect of certain facilities, the concessionaire will act as an Independent Transmission Operator. The contemplated operation and maintenance period is 15 years from the Maximum Commercial Operation Date of Stage 2.

The economic structure provides for two independent revenue streams. On the one hand, the COP Remuneration will compensate the investment associated with the construction of the works, will be determined in U.S. dollars based on the amount bid, and will be paid monthly, subject to adjustments linked to changes in the U.S. Producer Price Index. On the other hand, the TI Tariff will compensate the operation and maintenance services to be provided by the concessionaire in its capacity as Independent Transmission Operator. The structure is complemented by a financial contribution from CAMMESA of up to USD 55 million and by certain equipment and services contributed by CAMMESA.

The tender documents also contemplate the possibility for the preferred bidder to apply for the project’s accession to the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) within 15 business days following notice of the pre-award decision. In addition, the Inter-American Development Bank is preparing a potential political risk guarantee intended to cover certain delays in the payment of the COP Remuneration. The final structure, coverage and terms of such guarantee remain subject to the tender process and the IDB’s internal approvals.

Under the current timetable, inquiries regarding the tender documents may be submitted until November 13, 2026, while bids must be submitted and Envelope No. 1 will be opened on December 14, 2026. The evaluation process will be conducted in stages, beginning with the prequalification of bidders and followed by the opening and evaluation of the economic offer (Envelope No. 2).

In order to submit requests for clarification or bids, interested parties must first register on the CONTRAT.AR platform. Since this process may require the preparation of extensive documentation and, in many cases, the obtaining of legalizations and translations, it is advisable to begin the registration process sufficiently in advance.

The call for bids represents a further step in the implementation of Argentina’s electricity transmission infrastructure expansion program and in fostering private-sector participation in the development, financing and operation of strategic energy infrastructure in Argentina.