Rising Stars

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 contract negotiations with grid operators and power generators; veteran practitioner Hugo Vivot is the main contact.

Electricity in Argentina

O'Farrell

A key legal adviser to policymakers and investors through the privatisation of the electricity industry in the early 2000s, O'Farrell has built up a bank of deep expertise in both the renewable and traditional power generation industries. Combining extensive public law, dispute resolution, financing, M&A and antitrust capabilities, the team provides clients in the sector with an integrated, holistic service that covers the length and breadth of the entire power generation value chain, ranging from project financing and development through to transportation and distribution. A reference in the industry, the renowned Uriel F. O'Farrell is called on for advice on all energy-related corporate matters as well as the full gamut of regulatory, public policy and disputes work. He co-leads the team with regulatory, antitrust and disputes veteran Agustin Siboldi, a trusted adviser to the country’s largest energy companies; and Agustina Fanelli Evans, who is well-versed in energy sector public law, regulatory and litigation matters. Public law and litigation partner Jorge Muratorio provides further senior-level input, with public utilities, public contracts and litigation associate María Fortuna leading the second line.

Practice head(s):

Uriel O’Farrell; Agustín Siboldi; Agustina Fanelli Evans


Testimonials

A very good partner for us when dealing with legal and regulatory issues. They know both the sector and its regulations, as well as our company and its activities.

Agustín Siboldi is responsive and provides high quality counsel.

Key clients

Latinoamericana de Energía


YPF Energía Eléctrica (YPF Luz)


Companía General de Electricidad


Equinor Argentina


Transener and Transba


Empresa Distribuidora y Comercializadora Norte


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


Pampa Energía


Work highlights


  • Advising Latinoamericana de Energía on all aspects of the development of two solar projects in Texas, United States.
  • Advised Total Eren on all regulatory, permitting and structuring aspects of electricity self-generation from renewable sources.
  • Advised Eternum Energy on a conflict with Compañía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico relating to the exclusion of a solar farm from the bidding process for awarding electricity dispatch priority under the MATER programme.

Beccar Varela

Beccar Varela works with national and international clients in the thermal, hydro, wind, solar, bio-gas and hydrogen sectors. The team covers the full electricity value chain, including generation, transmission, distribution, and major-consumer work; and has experience working on major government privatisations, international bids and concession contract renegotiations. Developers and owners also turn to the team for support on the drafting and negotiation of EPC agreements, including risk assessment and structuring. Renewable energy is another active area, where the practice - a prominent member of the Argentine Renewable Energy Chamber (“CADER”) - advises on public bid processes and financing mechanisms. Respected energy and natural resources lawyer José Carlos Cueva leads the team in tandem with Ricardo Castañeda, who energy clients turn to for advice on M&A, corporate law and project finance matters.

Practice head(s):

José Carlos Cueva; Ricardo Castañeda


Key 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


Swift Argentina


YPF Energía Eléctrica


Alpes Energy


Marcos Browne


Consorcio de Empresas Mendocinas para Potrerillos


Work highlights


  • Advice to the new administrator of the BAF Latam Credit Fund (in official liquidation) on the takeover of a majority stake in Cartellone Energía y Concesiones.
  • Advised Hive Energy on legal aspects of developing of solar power plants in Argentina, including corporate matters, land lease, and participation in provincial tenders.
  • Advised Solartec on all regulatory aspects involved in the supply and installation of PV panels in rural areas, under the Permer (Proyecto de Energías Renovables en Mercados Rurales) National and provincial Programme.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

The ‘extremely kind and respectfulBruchou & Funes de Rioja electricity practice supports clients in the renewable and conventional power sectors with multidisciplinary advice covering regulation, project finance, corporate, M&A, tax and environmental matters. The team has been particularly active in public tenders for greenfield renewable energy projects, advising on bids, PPA negotiations, and financing. Mariano Luchetti advises major players involved in the generation, transportation, and distribution of electricity in Argentina, and co-leads the practice with the ‘outstandingIgnacio Minorini Lima, an experienced energy, public and regulatory law practitioner who also handles domestic and international arbitration proceedings. The practice can also call on the experience of corporate partner Exequiel Buenaventura, who advises a number of power sector clients. At associate level, seniors Nicolás Dulce (oil, gas and electricity) and María Laura Rozan (regulated industries; power generation, transportation and distribution) are the main contacts. Associate Dolores Cedrone moved in house at Citco Group.

Practice head(s):

Mariano Luchetti; Ignacio Minorini Lima


Testimonials

Ignacio Minorini is an outstanding lawyer. He knows the Argentine market like no other lawyer. Juan Franco Raparo is great.

Ignacio Minorini is excellent. He thinks strategically about each and every legal issue. He knows the energy and regulatory industry in Argentina incredibly well.

Excellent level of knowledge in the energy area. Excellent network of businesses and state links. Competitively, the team stands out from the other firms.

Permanent personal and direct availability. Extremely kind and respectful. They really listen. They really understand. They coordinate what is requested with extreme efficiency, in results and on time.

Key clients

Envision


AES Corporation


Goldwind


Equinor


Canadian Solar


Central Puerto


Albanesi


Cementos Avellaneda


Pan American Energy


Scatec


Barrick Exploraciones Argentina


China Development Bank


Elawan Energy Developments


Genneia


Invenergy


Corporación América


Minera Andina del Sol


MSU Group


Newsan


Petroquímica Comodoro Rivadavia


Termoeléctrica José de San Martín


Central Termoeléctrica Ensenada de Barragan


Necochea Wind Power


Work highlights


  • 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.
  • Advised Cementos Avellaneda on its self-generation renewable energy projects to supply its production plants.
  • Advised Central Puerto on the acquisition of strategic power thermal generation assets owned by Enel Group.

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda handles matters across the energy generation (hydro, thermal and renewable), distribution and transmission supply chain, with renewable energy, -particularly in the nascent hydrogen space- an active area. The team is well-versed in power sector regulation and is known for advising credit agencies and banks on the design of complex financing structures for conventional and renewable energy projects. Clients also call on the firm for representation before federal authorities and regulators to obtain permits, concessions, licenses, extension requests and contractual amendments, along with challenges to administrative acts and rulings. Public law expert Juan Cruz Azzarri has extensive public utilities and power industry experience and co-leads the practice with current firm managing partner Jimena Vega Olmos, who focuses on public law, infrastructure, power, project financing and international arbitration, and has a strong thermal and renewable energy practice. The team can also draw on the vast experience of firm founders and oil-and-gas veterans José Martínez De Hoz and Pablo Rueda. Since publication, Marcos Blanco, whose practice areas include power, renewable energy, oil-and-gas and TMT, has been promoted to partner, effective in January 2024.

Practice head(s):

Juan Cruz Azzarri; Jimena Vega Olmos


Testimonials

They are very business oriented and provide practical solutions.

Key clients

Fortescue Future Industries


Genneia


Capex


Corporación Andina de Fomento


Eoliasur


Enercon


Goldwind


Green Power Renewables


International Finance Corporation


Jinko Power


Neoen


NEXTracker


Orazul Energy


Parque Eólico Arauco


Greenmap


YPF


YPF Energía Eléctrica


Pan American Energy


Branch


Work highlights


  • Representation of Neoen in all legal aspects of its operations in Argentina, including the development of two solar PV projects in the Province of Salta.
  • Assisting Greenmap with the design, structuring and implementation of an international guarantee trust for renewable energy projects (iTrust).
  • Advised Goldwind on all legal matters pertaining to the development of five wind farms in Argentina, with an aggregate capacity of 350MWs.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Marval O’Farrell Mairal ‘s power practice covers the entire electricity generation and supply chain, handling matters that range from public tenders for generation projects (including thermal, cogeneration, hydroelectric, nuclear, renewable energy projects) to international and local PPAs, as well as domestic and international power-related disputes. Leveraging the strength of its corporate and M&A practice, the team enjoys a steady flow of transactional work, but is also called on to provide specialist counsel on electricity sector regulation, with its renewable energy expertise particularly sought after. Deeply experienced energy sector lawyer Francisco MacÍas leads the team and is an authority on power transactions, contracts and regulatory matters. Regulatory and power sector-focused Gonzalo Santamaria provides additional partner-level support.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Macías


Key clients

Total


General Electric


MMEX Resources


Scatec Solar


Genneia


Canadian Solar


Engie – Tractebel Energía


Seaboard Energías Renovables y Alimentos


Loma Negra


Adeco


Vestas


Senvion


Enercon


Gransolar


Sealed Air


MWh Solar


Cargill


Compañía General de Combustibles


Integra Capital


Arcos Dorados


Work highlights


  • Advising MMEX Resources in connection with the development of a green hydrogen project to be located in Tierra del Fuego.
  • 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.
  • Advising General Electric on negotiations involving PPAs between YPF Luz and different off-takers.

Pozo Gowland Abogados

Pozo Gowland Abogados’ electricity practice leverages the firm’s expertise in the adjacent public services, infrastructure and oil-and-gas sectors to advise clients on matters ranging from public law, private law, contract negotiation and dispute resolution, to environmental and corporate issues. Power generation, distribution and transportation are key areas of focus. The practice is jointly led by administrative law, public services and infrastructure veteran Héctor Pozo Gowland; infrastructure and construction expert Esteban de Vedia; and Carlos Miná, who focuses on administrative law and public service regulation. The senior triumvirate is supported by up-and-coming younger partners Santiago Durigón (administrative, regulatory and public law) and Francisco Pozo Gowland (administrative law, public services, infrastructure and international arbitration).

Practice head(s):

Héctor Pozo Gowland; Esteban de Vedia; Carlos Miná


Testimonials

The firm is specialised in electricity sector.

Héctor Pozo Gowland is an experienced lawyer in the electricity sector.

Great knowledge in administrative law and the energy sector (particularly electricity.

Key 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


Work highlights


  • Representing Edenor in the lawsuit filed by ENRE (the National Electricity Regulatory Authority) for payment of fines totalling $6bn Argentine pesos.
  • Advised Edesur in administrative proceedings related to legal steps taken by the State seeking to nullify a prior agreement on compensation for reciprocal claims.
  • Advised YPF on a dispute with the provider of generators and the possibility of making a formal claim for breach of the contract.

Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani

The electricity team at the ‘young, dynamic and highly responsiveTavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani supports renewable energy and electricity clients on a wide range of matters, and is noted for its expertise across regulation, corporate PPAs, project finance, and energy-related disputes and arbitrations. Clients single out practice head Nicolás Eliaschev for his ‘vast experience in the energy sector over a number of years’. Seniors Javier Constanzó (public law, energy and infrastructure) and Daiana Perrone (public law and renewable energy) provide further support at associate level. Since publication, Constanzó has been raised to the partnership - effective as of December 2023.

Practice head(s):

Nicolás Eliaschev


Testimonials

This team stands out for the quality of its attention and its high level of training.

Respect and professional quality distinguish them.

Nicolás Eliaschev leads a young, dynamic and highly responsive team. They adapt rapidly to the needs of the project and show a very flexible approach to work load and billing.

Nicolás Eliaschev has a detailed and clear understanding of the energy market in Argentina. Nicolás has proven, detailed knowledge and first-hand experience of major renewable projects in Argentina, the market stakeholders, and all regulatory requirements.

Javier Costanzo is clearly a rising star. He is extremely responsive, flexible, and rigorous.

Nicolas Eliaschev has vast experience in the energy sector over a number of years.

Key clients

Josemaría Resources


Eramine


Genneia


MSU


DFC


Banque Nationale de Paris Paribas


KFW Ipex


Tozzi Green


Loma Negra


Orazul Energy


Neuss Fund


Louis Dreyfuss Company


Aconcagua Energía Renovables


Work highlights


  • Advised Lundin Group on developing renewable power supply to the Josemaria Copper-Gold Project.
  • Advised Orazul Energy on an arbitration proceeding against the Republic of Argentina under ICSID rules, for a breach of the Argentine-Spain bilateral treaty of investment.
  • Advised Tozzi Green on the acquisition of two solar farms owned by Abo Wind.

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie provides local and international clients in the electricity industry with a full service legal offering that covers transactions, project development, EPC contracts and financing, as well as tax, environmental, employment and anti-trust matters. The team also handles associated work in the regulatory, public procurement and government contracts' areas, along with traditional hydrocarbon power generation work, and additionally has expertise in the renewable energy and nuclear power segments. Adolfo Durañona is an experienced adviser on project development and transactional matters and co-leads the team with M&A expert Ezequiel Artola, whose practice covers mining, oil-and-gas, energy, renewables and infrastructure.

Practice head(s):

Adolfo Durañona; Ezequiel Artola


Testimonials

The team advises in an efficient way and attends to the right needs.

Partners and associates show real commitment and respond very expeditiously to any problems with a great sense of responsibility.

Key clients

China Triumph International Engineering


Colgate Palmolive


Procter and Gamble


Vestas


Bemis


Ecopetrol


Work highlights


  • Advised Johnson & Johnson on the drafting and negotiation of a power purchase agreement with Pampa Energia.
  • Advised China Triumph International Engineering Co on EPC contractual matters related to the development of two photovoltaic projects.
  • Currently advising China Triumph International Engineering Co on the construction of photovoltaic projects in the province of Cordoba, Argentina.

Bomchil

Conventional, renewable, and thermoelectric power companies turn to Bomchil for assistance on regulatory and contractual matters. The team also has a strong major consumer-facing practice, advising corporates on power contract renegotiations and PPA deals. Energy-related disputes, including high-stakes international arbitrations, are also handled, as are financings for renewable energy projects sponsored by overseas investors and credit agencies. Due diligence and regulatory work on nuclear energy plan installation is another key source of work. Dispute resolution expert María Inés Corrá  has a long history in the sector (especially regarding regulatory and contentious matters), and co-leads the team alongside experienced energy and natural resources all-rounder Pablo Alliani.

Practice head(s):

María Inés Corrá; Pablo Alliani


Key clients

Araucaria Energy


Enel


Buenos Aires Arena


SPI Energy


Goldwind


Miramar Power


Parque Eólico Loma Blanca


Genneia


BTS Biogas


Work highlights


  • Advise Araucaria Energy on all the regulatory filings and approvals, as well as environmental lawsuits related to thermoelectric plants owned by the company.
  • Advised Buenos Aires Arena on the renegotiation of a power supply agreement with an electricity public utility for the substantial reduction of the power capacity agreed upon by the parties under the relevant supply contract, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Advised a biogas company on a dispute with an operator concerning the construction and operations of two plants that provide renewable energy to the Argentine grid under Renovar PPAs.

Brons & Salas

A long-established operator in the power sector, Brons & Salas handles regulatory, corporate and contentious matters for power generators, distributors, grid operators and suppliers. The team’s litigation and arbitration expertise at both judicial level and arbitral levels (especially under UNCITRAL rules) is particularly noted, with the firm handling a wide range of disputes involving PPA matters and contract breaches arising through the pandemic period. Sebastián Alvarez chairs the firm’s administrative and regulatory law department and has a strong electricity practice. He co-leads the team alongside well-known litigators Joaquin Vallebella and Guillermo Malm Green.

Practice head(s):

Sebastián Alvarez; Joaquín Vallebella; Guillermo Malm Green


Key clients

Compañía Administradora del Mercado Eléctrico Mayorista (Cammesa)


Inspection and Control Services


Praxair/Linde


Grupo Peñaflor


Papel Prensa


The Clorox Company


Provincia de Misiones


Shandong Gold


Fortescue Metals Group


Mercedes Benz Argentina


Astrazeneca


Solar Turbines International Company


Gallifrey Foundation


Work highlights


  • Advising Fortescue Metals Group on the development of an $8bn project to produce and export green hydrogen from Argentina.
  • Defending CAMMESA in a complaint filed by a renewable energy power plant company seeking the cancellation of a fine.
  • Advised Solar Turbines International on the interpretation and application of public policy regulations governing a public bidding process to supply two turbochargers.

Allende & Brea

Allende & Brea advises power industry clients on transactional, regulatory, environmental, tax, financial and litigation matters and is especially active in the design and construction of natural gas, combined cycle and renewable energy power plants; where it advises on EPC contracts and project financing. Stand-out mining practitioner Florencia Heredia leads on all natural resources, environmental and energy related work. Transactional and financing partner Marcos Patron Costas provides key support.

Practice head(s):

Florencia Heredia


Cassagne Abogados

Electricity has long been an important focus area for administrative law specialists, Cassagne Abogados, which handles project development work and a range of public law matters, including concession renegotiations, challenges to fines and regulatory censure. Ezequiel Cassagne and Julio C. Durand are the main contacts.

Practice head(s):

Ezequiel Cassagne, Julio C Durand


Díaz Bobillo, Vittone & Asociados

Specialist energy boutique Díaz Bobillo, Vittone & Asociados advises electricity clients on a range of regulatory, commercial and contentious issues. Víctor Díaz Bobillo is a respected power sector veteran, with experience across regulatory, corporate and contractual matters, as well as in complex international arbitrations. Public law-focused Manuel Goyenechea handles regulatory and contractual issues in the electricity market.

Practice head(s):

Víctor Díaz Bobillo