CATL is moving forward in Argentina with its first large-scale energy storage project, supplying batteries totalling more than 1.1 GWh of nominal capacity for developments led by Central Puerto in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area (AMBA). The initiative is set to become the largest battery energy storage system (BESS) in the country.
This development not only marks a shift in how the local market is perceived, but also represents “a milestone for the country”, according to Lucas Ponce, ESS Sales Representative at CATL. He highlighted that the project positions Argentina in a context where the power system is beginning to demand immediate solutions to improve stability and prevent outages.
“From our headquarters in China, Argentina is seen as a highly strategic country. There is a full ‘all-in’ commitment, including local teams, support and the establishment of a legal entity, to be ready for the demand that is now beginning to emerge and take shape,” Ponce stated during an interview at the Future Energy Summit (FES) Argentina.
Watch the full interview with CATL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pnNA0SxWvE
CAMMESA, renewables and new models: the keys shaping the market
Argentina has already launched the AlmaGBA tender (713 MW of BESS across Buenos Aires nodes) and continues with the AlmaSADI call, aimed at 700 MW of standalone storage projects across different regions of the country. These represent the first public auctions for large-scale BESS projects in Argentina.
AlmaSADI seeks to reduce supply disruptions and improve system reliability, with demanding technical requirements: projects ranging from 10 MW to 150 MW, up to 180 cycles per year, and a minimum delivery of four consecutive hours of energy. The timeline also reflects the urgency of the sector, with awards expected by June 2026.
“Today, the country’s opportunities clearly lie in the tenders launched by CAMMESA. They are effectively a solution to a structural problem in the grid,” said CATL’s ESS Sales Representative.
In this scenario, CATL is reinforcing its role as a BESS system integrator, covering both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) components. This implies the development of a local partner ecosystem capable of maintaining high standards in services such as commissioning, testing, operation and maintenance.
“These strategic partners in each region are extremely important for us, and we are already developing them in Argentina,” he added.
At the same time, the growth of energy storage will be tied to the evolution of the country’s energy mix, particularly the expansion of renewable energy. In 2025, renewables accounted for approximately 17% of total electricity supply.
“When renewable energy exceeds a 25–30% share, storage will no longer be optional—it will become a necessity for the system,” Ponce warned, noting that competitiveness against other energy investments remains a key challenge in a capital-intensive (CAPEX-heavy) environment.
“This calls for the development of new mechanisms for storage deployment, such as time-based energy sales and grid-forming solutions to enhance system stability. These must come together for companies like CATL to fully commit to the Argentine market,” he concluded.
