Firms To Watch: Electricity

The multidisciplinary team at Alfaro-Abogados, co-led by Carlos Alfaro and Sebastian Rodrigo, is increasingly active across the energy sectors -including electricity- for a number of local and international clients.
Hope, Duggan & Silva has advised clients on electricity matters for a number of years, with recent work focused on supporting corporates in electricity and renewable energy on contract negotiations with grid operators and power generators; veteran practitioner Hugo Vivot is the main contact.

Electricity in Argentina

O'Farrell

O'Farrell's long track record in the electricity industry makes it a first port of call for clients seeking seeking sector-specific transactional, regulatory, contractual and litigation advice. The multi-disciplinary practice also covers pubic procurement and anti-trust matters, along with tariff review proceedings, and has also been called in to support the Milei administration with advice on legislative initiatives to open up domestic electricity markets to international competition and investment. The practice is co-led by Uriel F. O'Farrell, a market authority on electricity law and regulation with more than four decades' partner-level experience; Agustín Siboldi, an expert in electricity regulation and an influential figure who holds leadership roles across various industry bodies and fora; and well-regarded public law expert Agustina Fanelli Evans, who is known for her work on regulatory and tariff matters. The team can also call on the experience of litigation partner Jorge Muratorio; economic regulation-focused Ana Belén Micciarelli, who was raised to the partnership in June 2024; and public utilities-focused senior associate, María Fortuna.

Responsables de la pratique:

Uriel O’Farrell; Agustín Siboldi; Agustina Fanelli


Les références

‘A dedicated team that has in depth knowledge of its client and the regulatory environment, allowin for dynamic and timely advice.’

‘Agustín Siboldi is well connected, understands the main issues and is a very effective leader who is good at solving problems.’

Principaux clients

Latinoamericana de Energía


YPF Energía Eléctrica (YPF Luz)


Pampa Energía


Transener and Transba


Parques Eólicos


Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica de Tucumán


Energía de Entre Ríos


Empresa Jujeña de Energía


Energy Consulting Services


Total Eren


Vestas


Eternum Energy


Petroperú


Ford Argentina


Ufinet


American Tower Argentina


Arcelor Mittal Acindar


Principaux dossiers


  • Advise Latinoamericana de Energía on the corporate and transactional aspects of two solar projects in Texas. Litigation matters are also covered.
  • Advised and represented Latinoamericana de Energía’s special purpose vehicles on the termination of engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contracts with Power China and Sinohydro Corporation.
  • Providing legal and regulatory advice to Central Térmica Loma de la Lata in its multimillion-dollar judicial claims against the government for breaching an agreement aimed at incentivising the expansion of its gas-fired electricity generation plants.

Beccar Varela

Beccar Varela supports clients along all stages of the electricity supply chain, including generation, transmission, distribution and consumption, working with companies active in the thermal, hydro, wind, solar, biogas, hydrogen and nuclear segments. The team is well-versed in government privatisations, international bidding rounds and concession contract renegotiations; it is particularly well-known for its renewable energy expertise, advising on financing and public bid processes. Other areas of expertise include EPC contracts, risk assessments and capital structures. An experienced practice leadership team includes accomplished energy and natural resource practitioner José Carlos Cueva; and Ricardo Castañeda, a go-to lawyer for energy companies seeking counsel on M&A, project finance and day-to-day corporate matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

José Carlos Cueva; Ricardo Castañeda


Les références

‘Beccar Varela is a large firm but acts like a boutique. Clients can maintain direct contact with the partners and they have specialists in each area of ​​law. Working with this team is an extremely satisfying experience.’

‘Ricardo Castaneda is an outstanding partner. He is available 24/7 to meet the needs of our group.’

Principaux clients

Total Eren


Canadian Solar


Cartellone Energía y Concesiones


Hive Energy


APR Energy Flex Wind – Manutenção e Instalação de Sistemas Eólicos


Líneas de Transmisión del Litoral and Sociedad Líneas Mesopotámicas


Crusoe Energy Systems


Swift


Empresa de Distribución Eléctrica de Tucumán


Alpes Energy


Cube Green Energy


Ansari Management


Genesis Digital Assets


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Crusoe Energy Systems on its joint venture with Unblock for the development of energy projects in Argentina.
  • Advising Genesis Digital Assets on a joint venture in Argentina with YPF Luz to install a bitcoin mining farm.
  • Advising Cube Green Energy on setting up a subsidiary in Spain and acquiring wind farms and solar energy projects throughout Spain.

Bomchil

Bomchil has a long track record in the electricity sector track and was among the first firms in Argentina to assist with the drafting of renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs); it has also consistently been called on ofr advisory counsel regarding tariff reviews, deregulation and the development of major electricity transmission lines. The team advises a wide ride range of conventional, renewable, and thermoelectric power companies on regulatory and contractual matters, and is also well known for handling energy-related disputes, including high-stakes international arbitrations. Transactions and financings are also busy areas, with cross-border renewable energy project financings and due diligence on nuclear energy investments providing regular streams of work. María Inés Corrá has a lengthy history of guiding clients through regulatory and contentious matters in the power sector, and co-leads the practice with environmental law specialist Cristian Galansky, who works with clients in the mining, oil-and-gas and renewable energy sectors. The practice can also call on the vast transactional and regulatory experience of energy and natural resources stalwart Pablo Alliani.

Responsables de la pratique:

María Inés Corrá; Cristian Galansky


Les références

‘Great specialists in energy and construction law in Argentina.’

‘A creative, responsive,  team that is always well prepared.’

Principaux clients

Araucaria Energy


Enel


Buenos Aires Arena


SPI Energy


Goldwind


Miramar Power


Parque Eólico Loma Blanca


Genneia


BTS Biogas


Coral Energía


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Coral Energía on the development and construction of several photovoltaic solar parks as a result of different tenders organised by the wholesale electricity market regulator CAMMESA and the provincial energy company of Córdoba.
  • Advised Araucaria Energy on all the regulatory filings and approvals, as well as environmental lawsuits, related to thermoelectric plants owned by the company.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja has deep expertise in renewable and conventional power generation and transmission, and is sought out to advise on a wide array of electricity-related regulation, project finance, corporate, M&A, tax and environmental matters. Other active areas for the practice include public tender processes for new renewable energy developments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and financing arrangements. The team is jointly led by Mariano Luchetti, who works with clients involved in electricity generation, transportation, and distribution; and highly-rated energy and public law partner Ignacio Minorini Lima, who also handles arbitral matters - both domestic and international. Experienced corporate partner Exequiel Buenaventura is also available to support the team, as is recently promoted partner Nicolás Dulce, who works across the oil-and-gas and electricity sectors. Former senior associate María Laura Rozan moved in house at NeoElectra in July 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mariano Luchetti, Ignacio Minorini Lima


Les références

‘One of the few firms with real knowledge of the market. Always on top of political fluctuations and regulatory changes.’

‘Very informed of the developments that occur in the area. The team has participated in numerous deals with companies in the sector, which gives them in-depth knowledge.’

‘The provide clear advice and explanations, always outlining the options and scenarios. They instil confidence.’

Principaux clients

Envision


The AES Corporation


Goldwind


Equinor


Canadian Solar


Central Puerto


Albanesi


Cementos Avellaned


Pan American Energy


Scatec


Barrick Exploraciones Argentina


China Development Bank


Elawan Energy Developments


Genneia


Invenergy


Corporación América


Minera Andina del Sol


MSU Group


Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia


Termoeléctrica José de San Martín


Dow


Central Termoeléctrica Ensenada de Barragan


Necochea Wind Power


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Central Puerto on the acquisition of strategic power thermal generation assets owned by Enel Group.
  • Advising The AES Corporation in an ICSID claim against the Argentine Republic related to AES’s investment in several power generation companies
  • Advising Envision Energy on all issues related to the execution, performance, implementation, construction, and operation of two renewable energy projects in the Province of Buenos Aires.

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda advises power generators and distributors active in the hydro, thermal and renewable energy segments, and has also established a leading position in the green hydrogen industry, where it provides feasibility analyses of hydrogen projects and associated infrastructure, including solar and wind power generation and power transmission lines. The team is particularly well-known for its expertise in regulatory and financing matters, and is called on by credit agencies and banks to assist with the design of complex financing structures for conventional and renewable energy projects. Moreover, its regulatory-facing practice is also well-established, advising on applications and hearings for permits, concessions, licenses, extension requests and contractual amendments. Contentious administrative matters and rulings are also handles. The practice is co-led by public law partner Juan Cruz Azzarri, who has a strong track record in public utilities and the power industry; and Jimena Vega Olmos, who handles a spectrum of public law, infrastructure, power, project financing and international arbitration matters, with thermal energy and renewables particularly active practice segments. Other senior energy and oil-and-gas names on the roster include the vastly experienced José Martínez De Hoz and Pablo Rueda; with recently promoted partner Marcos Blanco, who covers power and renewables, providing additional senior support.

Responsables de la pratique:

Juan Cruz Azzarri; Jimena Vega Olmos


Les références

‘Lawyers with a very high level of knowledge on all issues related to the sector. They keep close to changing regulatory and political events and maintain an excellent record of all operations carried out with clients.’

‘The service is very personal. They are like a part of a client’s organisation.’

Principaux clients

JinkoSolar


Jinko Power


Fortescue Future Industries


Goldwind


International Finance Corporation


Neoen


Corporación Andina de Fomento


Genneia


YPF Energía Eléctrica


RELP (formerly, Greenmap)


Orazul Energy


Eoliasur


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing Neoen as regards all legal aspects of its operations in Argentina, including the development of two solar PV projects in the Province of Salta.
  • Representing RELP (formerly Greenmap), a Brussels-based NGO working for the promotion of large scale development of renewable energy projects in developing countries.
  • Advised Goldwind on all legal matters pertaining to the development of five wind farms in Argentina.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Marval O’Farrell Mairal handles matters spanning the entire electricity generation and distribution supply chain, including work on public tenders for thermal, cogeneration, hydroelectric, nuclear and renewable energy power generation projects, as well power purchase agreements and electricity-related disputes. The firm’s formidable corporate practice makes it a go-to name for contractual and transactional work in the sector, and the team is also strong on the regulatory side, assisting companies with specialist advice on electricity sector regulation. The practice is led by respected energy lawyer Francisco Macías, who is a reference as regards power transactions, contracts and regulatory matters. Gonzalo Santamaria is the other key partner-level name, and is known for his regulatory and power sector expertise.

Responsables de la pratique:

Francisco Macías


Les références

‘The team stands out for being highly trained and responsive. An excellent firm with deep knowledge of the issues.’

Principaux clients

Total


General Electric


MMEX Resources


Loma Negra


MWh Solar


Cargill


Compañía General de Combustibles


Integra Capital


Empresa de Energía del Cono Sur


Stellantis


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised MWh Solar, which is the first self-generator to secure the fiscal benefits contained in Law No. 27,191, on regulatory and contractual matters regarding the project.
  • Advised Stellantis on the acquisition of a stake in Argentina’s largest photovoltaic power generator.
  • Provide regulatory and contractual advice to cement manufacturer Loma Negra, which operates ‘inside the fence’ power generation facilities.

Pozo Gowland Abogados

Pozo Gowland Abogados is recognised for its electricity expertise and track record, which dates back to the early 1990s when the firm was involved in the privatisation of Argentina’s electricity industry. The firm continues to work with blue-chip electricity generators, transporters and distributors, and retains strong networks across the Ministry of Energy and Mining and national electricity regulator CAMMESA. Busy areas for the practice include tariff and contractual renegotiations, the representation of clients in judicial and administrative proceedings, licensing, and electricity-related infrastructure and project development. The practice’s three-strong leadership team includes administrative law, public services and infrastructure veteran Héctor Pozo Gowland; construction and infrastructure expert Esteban de Vedia; and Carlos Miná, who handles administrative and public law matters. The accomplished leadership team receives partner-level support from administrative, regulatory and public law-focused Santiago Durigón and Francisco Pozo Gowland, who handles administrative law and public services matters, as well as infrastructure and international arbitration work.

Responsables de la pratique:

Héctor Pozo Gowland; Esteban de Vedia; Carlos Miná


Les références

‘Partners have sector knowledge of great depth and work directly with clients.’

‘An excellent boutique firm that specialises in electricity. Personal, responsive service.’

‘A team with great knowledge of the electricity market.’

Principaux clients

Edenor


Pampa Energía


Yacylec


Transba


Transener


Edesur


Central Dock Sud


Transpa


CAMMESA


Transnea


Transnoa


Distrocuyo


Norte Grande Eléctrico


Hidroeléctrica Chocón


Enel Green Power


Central Costanera


Transportadora de Energía


IEASA


Edemsa


Orazul


Fresa


Enecor


BLC


Tel3


MSU


Central Térmica Belgrano


Central Térmica San Martín


Compañía de Transmisión del Mercosur


Principaux dossiers


  • Represent Edenor in a lawsuit filed by the national electricity regulator, ENRE, related to the payment of fines.
  • Representing Edesur in a dispute with the government related to the cancellation of a contract.
  • Advising YPF Luz no a dispute with a contractor over a turnkey contract for the construction of two thermal generation plants and their respective maintenance and equipment provision contracts.

Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani

Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani has carved out a strong reputation in the burgeoning renewable energy sector where it works with a cohort of innovative clients involved in wind and solar power projects, off-grid power generation and mining-related electricity projects. The team handles regulatory and transactional matters, including large project financings, and has also been an influential player in the evolution of power purchase agreements (PPAs) and related contractual matters. The team is particularly noted for its work in lithium-related energy projects and setting up renewable energy infrastructure to power mining operations. Energy-related disputes and arbitrations are also familiar and active areas. The dynamic and experienced electricity and natural resources expert Nicolás Eliaschev co-leads the practice with Javier Constanzó, who was raised to the partnership in 2023 and handles public law, energy and infrastructure work. At associate level senior Daiana Perrone, who focuses on public law and renewable energy, is the main contact.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nicolás Eliaschev; Javier Constanzó


Les références

‘The Tavarone team is very solid. Highly trained and qualified professionals who give clients peace of mind’

‘The team stays close to industry developments and provides relevant advice. The partners have deep expertise and are responsive and engaging.

‘Nicolás Eliaschiev is outstanding.’

Principaux clients

Josemaría Resources


Genneia


MSU Energy


MSU Green Energy


SCC Power


MSU Agro


Eramine Sudamérica


Posco Argentina


RP Global Argentina


Tassaroli


Aconcagua Energía


Frali


SoEnergy Argentina


Bunge


CAPEX


Neuss Fund


Louis Dreyfuss Company


Central Puerto


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised MSU Green Energy on pre-paid power purchase agreements (PPAs); these will be sourced from renewable solar PV facilities owned by MSU Green Energy.
  • Advised Eramine on the design of a complex structure entailing an off-grid, long-term agreement, for the sale and purchase of renewable energy that will supply Eramine’s lithium project.
  • Advise Lundin Group on developing renewable power supply to the Josemaria Copper-Gold Project.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie advises clients involved on a wide range of energy projects, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, renewables and oil-and-gas-fired power generation. The team handles power purchase agreements (PPAs), transactional work, complex EPC contractual negotiations, tax and environmental law; as well as regulatory, public procurement and government contract matters. The practice is jointly led by experienced natural resources and energy expert Adolfo Durañona, who is called on for support on transactional and project development matters; and Ezequiel Artola, an accomplished M&A lawyer who has extensive experience in the mining, oil-and-gas, energy, renewables and infrastructure sectors.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adolfo Durañona; Ezequiel Artola


Les références

‘A professional responsive team.’

Principaux clients

China Triumph International Engineering Co.


Colgate Palmolive


Procter and Gamble


Vestas


Bemis


Ecopetrol


Bunge


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised China Triumph International Engineering Co on EPC contractual matters related to photovoltaic projects.
  • Assisting China Triumph International Engineering Co with day-to-day regulatory and transactional advice related to the construction of photovoltaic projects in the province of Cordoba.
  • Advise Bunge Argentina on a power supply agreement within the energy plus regime.

Brons & Salas

Brons & Salas is particularly well-known for advising electricity clients on contentious matters and is regularly called on to support power companies in a wide variety of disputes, including PPA matters and contractual breaches, in both the judicial and arbitral spheres (especially under UNCITRAL rules). The team also assist regulators with EPC project monitoring and policy matters, as required; and has been an active player in the nascent green hydrogen sector, advising on the largest green hydrogen development project in Argentina. The practice is co-led by administrative and regulatory law partner Sebastián Alvarez, and the experienced dispute resolution duo of Joaquín Vallebella and Guillermo Malm Green.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sebastián Alvarez; Joaquín Vallebella; Guillermo Malm Green


Principaux clients

Lake Resources


Praxair/Linde


Fortescue Metals Group


Compañía Administradora del Mercado Eléctrico Mayorista


Papel Prensa SACIF


Provincia de Misiones


Shandong Gold


Grupo Peñaflor


Mercedes Benz


Astrazeneca


The Clorox Compay


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising Fortescue Metals Group on the development of an $8bn project to produce and export green hydrogen from Argentina
  • Represented CAMMESA in a complaint filed by a renewable energy power plant company seeking the cancellation of a fine.
  • Advising CAMMESA on a range of lawsuits filed against electricity distribution companies operating across Argentina related to payment claims for supplied electricity.

Abeledo Gottheil Abogados

Abeledo Gottheil Abogados advises clients involved in the generation, transportation and distribution of electricity on the drafting and negotiation of contracts, electric power plant acquisitions, transmission line expansions, and international electricity projects and exports. Regulatory, contractual and environmental matters are all handled, as are energy disputes. The team is co-led by Sergio Porteiro, who is highly experienced in energy-related regulation, contractual matters and disputes; and the respected oil-and-gas veteran Hernán Martín Oriolo, an experienced arbitration and litigation lawyer. Further partner support is offered by Luis Alberto Erize, who also covers oil-and-gas and disputes.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sergio Porteiro; Hernán Oriolo


Les références

‘The focus on client service makes this firm unique. There is a dedicated focus on problem solving.’

‘The team is genuinely interested in participating in different client matters, and is always working on creative ways to solve different problems’.

‘An efficient team that is technically solid. Federico Valiño is a collaborative lawyer who goes the extra mile and provides comprehensive analysis of the things that really matter to a business.’

Principaux clients

Finning Caterpillar


Toyota Boshoku Argentina


Cepas Argentina


YPF


Edesur


Nucleoeléctrica Argentina


San Miguel Global


Total Especialidades Argentina


Legal Journal Abogados.com.ar


Principaux dossiers


  • Provided Toyota Boshoku Argentina with legal assistance during the drafting and negotiation with YPF Luz of a power purchase agreement for power generated using renewable resources.
  • Provided legal assistance to Nucleoeléctrica Argentina in the drafting of an EPC agreement for the erection of a power plant, and legal assistance within a judicial case scenario.
  • Assisted Finning Argentina with the drafting of term and conditions calling for bids to purchase power generated from renewable resources.

Allende & Brea

Allende & Brea leverages its wider natural resources expertise and contact base to support clients on a range of transactional, regulatory, environmental, tax, financial and litigation matters. The practice is best known for its expertise in the design and construction of natural gas, combined cycle and renewable energy power plants; where it advises on EPC contracts and project financing. The practice is led by Florencia Heredia, an exceptional mining practitioner who also covers environmental law and other energy-related work.  Financing and transactional partner Marcos Patrón Costas is another key name.

Responsables de la pratique:

Florencia Heredia


Cassagne Abogados

Public law boutique Cassagne Abogados leverages its administrative law expertise to support electricity companies seeking support on project development matters, as well as concession negotiations and challenges to fines and regulatory censure. Partners Ezequiel Cassagne and Julio C. Durand are the key points of contact for electricity-related advice.

Díaz Bobillo, Vittone & Asociados

Energy boutique Díaz Bobillo, Vittone & Asociados is called on by clients in the electricity sector for advice on regulatory, commercial and contentious matters. Respected power sector veteran Víctor Díaz Bobillo leads the team and handles a broad range of electricity-related regulatory, corporate and contractual matters, as well as complex international arbitrations. Public law expert Manuel Goyenechea is another key senior name and handles various regulatory and contractual issues in the electricity market.

Responsables de la pratique:

Víctor Díaz Bobillo


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on a cogeneration power and steam energy project involving Bunge and Central Puerto.

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen

Pérez Alati, Grondona, Benites & Arntsen draws on its energy and oil-and-gas expertise to advise electricity clients on project development, financing, federal and state energy regulatory work and major transactions. The firm is particularly well-known for assisting clients on matters related to the negotiation of power purchase agreements and tariff negotiations. The practice is co-led by experienced energy and natural resources partner Francisco Romano; and Alan Arntsen, an accomplished M&A and banking lawyer. Corporate law veteran and founding partner Mariano Grondona also assists the team, as do environmental law expert Nicole Jaureguiberry and transactional partner Tomás Pérez Alati.

Responsables de la pratique:

Francisco Romano; Alan Arntsen


Principaux clients

Mercuria Energy Group


Phoenix Global Resources


Petrolera El Trébol


Pampa Energía


Dow Chemical


Trafigura


IFC


YPF


Wintershall Energía


Equinor


Shell


Albanesi


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Dow on the negotiation and drafting of an advance purchase agreement for renewable energy supply with Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia.
  • Advised PBBPolisur on the negotiation and drafting of two advanced purchase agreements for renewable energy supply from MSU.
  • Advising Pan American Energy on the ‘pass through’ of provincial tax increases to renewable power tariffs.