The extension falls under the National Energy Sector emergency declaration, valid through July 9, 2026. Official justification cites the complexity of state-led tender processes, which require preparation of bidding documents, definition of water management regulations, identification of mandatory investments to extend asset life, reconfiguration of concession perimeters, and development of environmental protection and dam safety manuals. These technical factors generate unavoidable delays while ensuring transparency, equal opportunity for bidders, and proper use of public resources.
Under the extension terms, HIDISA must maintain contract performance guarantees of at least one million US dollars. The concessionaire faces new obligations including submission of updated asset and equipment inventories every four months and mandatory access to facilities for potential bidders interested in the upcoming tender. The royalty payment structure to Mendoza province remains unchanged per existing agreements between the Energy Secretariat and provincial authorities. The Electric Energy Undersecretariat will continue oversight functions throughout the transition period.
The Diamante system comprises three dams and generation plants—Agua del Toro, Los Reyunos, and El Tigre—spanning approximately 55 kilometers at elevations between 873 and 1,338 meters above sea level. The complex represents 0.9% of Argentina’s installed generation capacity. Pampa Energía holds the majority 61% stake in the operating company, positioning the eventual reprivatization as a significant transaction in Argentina’s hydroelectric sector.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
