In a new step toward the privatisation of the Comahue hydropower complex —one of Argentina’s largest hydroelectric systems— the national government opened the economic bids submitted for the new private management concessions. Eight companies participated in the tender, and the leading offers for each asset guarantee a minimum income of USD 684 million for the State during this phase.
The technical evaluation stage has already been completed. According to the tender specifications, only the Cerros Colorados concession will undergo an additional round for bid improvement. For the remaining three hydropower plants —Alicurá, El Chocón, and Piedra del Águila— the minimum revenue threshold is already secured based on the submitted economic proposals.
Future concessionaires will be required to carry out all necessary investments, upgrades, and infrastructure works to ensure the safe, efficient, and sustainable operation of the hydropower complexes, in line with tender requirements.
The strong participation of private companies highlights robust market interest in operating and modernising one of the country’s most strategic hydropower systems, in a competitive and transparent process designed to maximise the value of public energy assets.
| Hydropower Asset | Stage of Evaluation | Status of Economic Offers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alicurá | Technical review completed | Minimum bid secured | No improvement round |
| El Chocón | Technical review completed | Minimum bid secured | No improvement round |
| Piedra del Águila | Technical review completed | Minimum bid secured | No improvement round |
| Cerros Colorados | Technical review completed | Improvement round required | Additional bidding stage |
