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.
Electricity in Argentina
O'Farrell
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 respectful’ Bruchou & 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 ‘outstanding’ Ignacio 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 responsive’ Tavarone, 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