Firms To Watch: Electricity

The multidisciplinary team of 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.
The young energy and natural resources practice at Zang, Bergel & Viñes Abogados was formed in 2017 by partner Amalia Sáenz, who is increasingly focused on the power and renewable energy sector, advising corporations, banks, private equity firms and infrastructure funds on a range of matters.

Electricity in Argentina

O'Farrell

Building on the base of its extensive public and administrative law capabilities, O'Farrell has amassed profound expertise in the renewable and traditional power segments, and works the length of the electricity value chain, from development to disputes and including generation, transportation and distribution. The team combines its comprehensive engagement in the sector with regulatory and antitrust expertise, as well as experience in M&A. A renowned figure in the sector, Uriel F. O'Farrell handles energy sector-associated corporate work and M&A, along with regulatory matters and disputes. He co-leads the practice with Agustín Siboldi, who specialises in the areas of defence of competition, energy, natural resources and telecommunications; and María Agustina Fanelli Evans, who strengths are public law, regulation and litigation in the power sector. Other key names in the team include Juan Pablo Fratantoni, who focus on M&A, the development of investments in energy,  joint ventures, foreign investments and company law; and senior associate María Fortuna, who handles administrative litigation and environmental matters.

Practice head(s):

Uriel F. O’Farrell; Agustín Siboldi; María Agustina Fanelli Evans

Testimonials

‘Regulatory aspects – excellent expertise.

‘Agustin Siboldi. Very professional and diligent.

Key clients

Latinoamericana de Energía

YPF Energía Eléctrica (YPF Luz)

Pampa Energía

Compañía 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, Sociedad Anónima

Empresa Jujeña de Energía

Energy Consulting Services

Work highlights

  • Advised Latinoamericana de Energia during the recent Argentina financial crisis, aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
  • Advising YPF Luz on the drafting and approving of the prospect of a green bonds issuance to finance the construction of different renewable projects, which will allow power generation without the emission of greenhouse gases under Verified Carbon Standard.

Beccar Varela

Advising on up, mid- and downstream electricity matters, Beccar Varela has considerabe experience in generation, transmission and distribution, as well as with major power consumers, PPAs and self generation projects. The team works with national and international clients in the thermal, hydro, wind, solar, biogas, hydrogen and geothermal power segments, as well as assisting with international bids and concession contract renegotiations. Recent matters include advising China’s State Grid International Development (via Chile’s Claro & Cía) on the Argentine aspects of its $3bn acquisition of Naturgy’s Chilean subsidiary Compañía General de Energía; namely, the spinning off of Argentine subsidiaries Agua Negra (controller of Energía San Juan), Gasnor and Gasmarket. The practice is an active member of the Argentine Renewable Energy Chamber (“CADER”) and is co-led by José Carlos Cueva, who focuses on energy and natural resources law; and Ricardo Castañeda , whose expertise includes M&A, corporate law, project finance and energy.

Practice head(s):

José Carlos Cueva; Ricardo Castañeda

Testimonials

‘Diligent Jose Carlos Cuevas is an excellent professional.

Key clients

Total EREN

Canadian Solar

Claro & Cía

Hive Energy (UK)

APR Energy

Flex Wind – Manutenção e Instalação de Sistemas Eólicos

Líneas de Transmisión del Litoral

Inter-American Development Bank

Swift Argentina

Goldwind International Holdings (HK)

Work highlights

  • Advised State Grid, (in conjunction with Claro & Cía), on the spin-off of CGE’s Argentine subsidiaries: Agua Negra –controller in Energía de San Juan– Gasnor and Gasmarket.
  • Advised Swift Argentina on regulatory and contractual matters in connection with it’s energy requirements as a large consumer of the wholesale electricity market, including negotiation of a long-term power purchase agreement with a private company as supplier.
  • Advice to Hive Energy on the legal requirements to develop solar power plants in Argentina, including corporate matters, the leasing of land, and participation in provincial tenders.

Bruchou & Funes de Rioja

Demonstrating ‘great speed of analysis, without losing the depth in the review‘, Bruchou & Funes de Rioja‘s power and electricity practice has broad experience in renewable and conventional power generation and transmission. The multidisciplinary team combines regulatory strength with corporate, M&A and project finance expertise, and advises power generation companies doing business in Argentina, as well as assisting with the development of a range of energy and infrastructure projects. Go-to names in the area include Mariano Luchetti , who has experience advising major industry players involved in the generation, transportation, and distribution segments of Argentina’s electricity market; and Ignacio Minorini Lima , whose extensive expertise covers energy, public and regulatory law, and who also handles international and domestic arbitration proceedings. Corporate specialist Exequiel Buenaventura  is also active in the sector. Key associates include Nicolás Dulce  (oil, gas and electricity); María Laura Rozan  (regulated industries; power generation, transportation and distribution) and corporate senior, Dolores Cedrone , who has amassed considerable experience of the power sector.

Practice head(s):

Mariano Luchetti; Ignacio Minorini Lima

Testimonials

‘The added value of this team is its great speed of analysis, without losing the depth in the review.

Key clients

Envision

The 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

Work highlights

  • Advised Envision Energy on the regulatory, contractual, corporate and tax challenges posed by the suspension of two renewable energy projects with  an aggregate 125MW of capacity.
  • Advised Cementos Avellaneda on its self-generation project to supply its production plants.
  • Advised Goldwind on the challenges posed under each of its five power purchase agreements executed with the Argentine Grid Administrator, related to regulatory penalties, delays, non-conformities and construction issues.

Martínez de Hoz & Rueda

The broad energy expertise of Martínez de Hoz & Rueda covers electricity generation (hydro, thermal and renewable), distribution and transmission, along with associated environmental matters. The practice is particularly strong on power sector regulation, as well as on the origination of complex finance structures for conventional and renewable energy projects, where it frequently represents credit agencies, ECAs and leading commercial banks. The practice is also experienced at representing clients before federal authorities and regulators to obtain permits, concessions, licenses, extension requests and contractual amendments, as well as in challenges to administrative acts and rulings. Public law specialist Juan Cruz Azzarri co-leads the team with Jimena Vega Olmos, who focuses on public law, infrastructure, power, project financing and international arbitration. Senior associate Marcos Blanco is also active in the area and handles power and renewable energy, oil and gas and TMT matters.

Practice head(s):

Juan Cruz Azzarri; Jimena Vega Olmos

Testimonials

‘Knowledge of regulation and business.

‘Practical Advice. Speed and quality of response.

‘Ideal and immediate response. Creativity and rigor in the analysis. Very good team specialized in the matter.

‘Dedicated and personalised attention of the partners. Jimena Vega Olmos and José Martínez de Hoz are excellent.

Key clients

Albioma

Capex

Corporación Andina de Fomento

Eoliasur

Enercon

Goldwind

Green Power Renewables

International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Jinko Power and JinkoSolar Holding

Neoen

NEXTracker

Orazul Energy

Parque Eólico Arauco

Greenmap

YPF

YPF Energía Eléctrica

Work highlights

  • Assisting Greenmap with the design, structuring and implementation of an international guarantee trust for renewable energy projects (iTrust).
  • Representation of Neoen in all legal aspects of its operations in Argentina.
  • Advised Goldwind on all legal matters pertaining to the development of fve wind farms in Argentina, with an aggregate capacity of 348MWs.

Marval O’Farrell Mairal

Known for its comprehensive approach, Marval O’Farrell Mairal advises along the full length of the electricity generation and supply chain, from public tenders for generation projects (thermal, cogeneration, hydroelectric, nuclear, renewable energy), to international and local PPAs. Core strengths for the team include regulatory matters and disputes work, with renewable and hydro-electric matters being a particular area of growth. Francisco Macías  heads the practice and specialises in international and local power transactions, contracts and regulatory matters. He can call on the expertise of newly promoted partner Gonzalo Santamaria , whose strengths include regulatory and contract issues in the power sector, as well as advising on thermal, hydroelectric and renewable energy projects. ‘Exceptional lawyerLuciano Ojea Quintana  rounds out the senior team.

Practice head(s):

Francisco Macías

Testimonials

‘A complete team, with specialists in all branches involved. It allows you to have answers and practical solutions and quickly.’

‘Gonzalo Santamaría is an extremely capable and very practical lawyer. He quickly understands the client’s concerns and based on that he builds his legal strategy. Great predisposition and always available to talk and provide answers.’

‘Luciano Ojea Quintana is an exceptional lawyer, who understands the business of his clients and, with total transparency, helps to find the best possible solutions.’

Key clients

Total

General Electric (GE)

Gezhouba Group

Interconexión Eléctrica

Scatec Solar

Genneia

Canadian Solar

Engie – Tractebel Energía

Colbun

Seaboard Energías Renovables y Alimentos

Loma Negra

Adeco

Vestas

Senvion

Enercon

Gransolar

Sealed Air

MWh Solar

Algonquin Power

Cargill

Work highlights

  • Advising China’s Gezhouba Group on regulatory power issues and contract negotiations related to the construction of two hydroelectric dams in the Province of Santa Cruz: Nestor Kirchner and Jorge Cepernic.
  • Provided regulatory and contractual advice to leading cement manufacturer Loma Negra, which operates ‘inside the fence’ power generation facilities; the Genneia/Loma Negra renewable PPA was the first such contract entered into between private parties.
  • 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.

Pozo Gowland Abogados

Pozo Gowland Abogados specialises in electric energy and the oil & gas sectors, combining this with expertise in public services, infrastructure and construction. The firm’s broad experience includes advice related to public and private law, contract negotiation, dispute resolution (judicial and arbitral), and environmental and corporate issues; it demonstrates particular strength assisting in projects related to the generation, transportation and distribution of electricity. Name partner and practice co-head Héctor Pozo Gowland  focuses on administrative law and the regulation of public services, works and infrastructure. He co-leads the team with Esteban de Vedia  , who handles infrastructure, construction and real estate law matters; and Carlos Miná , whose fortes are administrative law and the regulation of public services. A strong associate line includes Santiago Durigón  (administrative, regulatory and public law – particularly public and private tenders and contract elaboration); and Francisco Pozo Gowland  (administrative law, the regulation of public services, works and infrastructure; international arbitration).

Practice head(s):

Héctor Pozo Gowland; Esteban de Vedia; Carlos Miná

Testimonials

‘It is a very complete team and covers all aspects of the Energy and Natural Resources area: electricity.

‘Easy accessibility and fast and accurate response.

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

  • Defending Edenor in a lawsuit filed by ENRE National Electricity Regulatory Authority for the payment of fines for an amount of $6bn.
  • Advised seller Pampa Energy and buyer EDELCOS on the regulatory presentation of the former’s sale of Edenor to the latter and on authorisation of the operation by the public authorities.
  • Advising Transpa on the negotiation of agreements with the National Government and CAMMESA for the financing of the works to restore the transmission system after an extreme weather event caused the fall of 55 high voltage line towers between the Futaleufú Hydroelectric Power Plant and the city of Puerto Madryn, producing a collapse in the Patagonian electricity system.

Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani

Nicolás Eliaschev leads the energy team at Tavarone, Rovelli, Salim & Miani and advises on a range of electricity and renewable energy matters, as well as on other industries and infrastructures including oil and gas, ports, airports, roads and highways. The practice evidences strengths in regulatory matters and corporate PPAs, and combines this with experience in project finance and development for both traditional and renewable generation, and transition projects. Acting for local and international clients, the team also handles dispute resolution in the sector, including international arbitration. A second key name in the team is senior associate Javier Constanzó, who focuses on public law, energy and infrastructure, with particular expertise in construction contracts and the financing of infrastructure projects.

Practice head(s):

Nicolás Eliaschev

Key clients

Josemaria Resources

Dow Chemical

Loma Negra

MSU

Neuss Fund

Compañia Mega

Enel Group

Genneia

BNPP

Tozzi Green

RP Global

Orazul Energy

Work highlights

  • Retained by Josemaria Resources as legal advisors with regards to the power development project for the supply of the Josemaria Copper-Gold Project. The Jose Maria Project is a major Copper-Gold Project owned by the Lundin Group located in the province of San Juan, Argentina that will require an investment of around 2 billion USD to be developed.
  • Legal regulatory advisor to Genneia, one of Argentina’s main independent power prouder, and a leader in renewables, in connection with regulatory matters related to a highly complex matter related to the operation and possible shut-down of a thermal facility, as well as in connection with the filing of tax benefits related to their investment in renewable energy projects.
  • Acted as legal counsel to major generation company MSU on several matters including: (i) a long-term management agreement currently under negotiation for operating an additional 500MW of thermal facilities; and (ii) due diligence of renewable energy projects for potential acquisitions currently under evaluation for an additional 750MW.

Baker McKenzie

Drawing on its global network as necessary, Baker McKenzie advises clients on acquisitions, project developments, construction (EPC) operations and financing, as well as tax, environmental, employment and antitrust matters related to the electric-energy sector. The team’s expertise ranges from coal and oil-and-gas powered traditional generation, to co-generation projects, hydroelectric and renewables; indeed, the team even has experience of with Argentina's nuclear generation facilities. As well as demonstrable capability in regulatory matters, the practice specialises in public procurement and governmental contracts. Adolfo Durañona handles commercial agreements, major projects and M&A; and co-leads the team with Ezequiel Artola, who focuses on mining, oil-and-gas, energy and renewables, and infrastructure.

Practice head(s):

Adolfo Durañona; Ezequiel Artola

Key clients

China Triumph International Engineering

Colgate-Palmolive

Procter and Gamble

Vestas

Bemis

Ecopetrol

Work highlights

  • Advised China Triumph International Engineering Co (CTIEC) on negotiation, sufficiency and the replacement of guarantees granted under an EPC for the development of two photovoltaic projects.
  • Currently assisting CTIEC on the construction of photovoltaic projects in the province of Cordoba (Argentina), and regarding a solar energy project to be developed by a local partner.
  • Assisted Bunge with the analysis and negotiation of a seven-year renewable power purchase agreement (PPA) executed with Pampa Energia to use wind-generated renewable electricity in Argentina.

Bomchil

With considerable experience advising conventional, thermoelectric and renewable power generators, Bomchil also assists consumers with regulatory and contractual matters - particularly as regards PPAs. The practice group also draws upon the firm’s strength in financings to advise multilateral agencies and foreign lenders on the construction and development of major renewable energy plants in Argentina. Another key area of work has been due diligence and legal and regulatory analysis for the installation of the country's new nuclear plants. María Inés Corrá  leads the team and is a go-to name for administrative law, economic regulation and international arbitration.

Practice head(s):

María Inés Corrá

Key clients

Miramar Power

Araucaria Energy / SPI Energy

Buenos Aires Arena

HCA

Metalsa

Enel

Elektrogen

Stoneway

Work highlights

  • Advised Araucaria Energy in connection with sensitive regulatory matters related to several thermoelectric plants.
  • Provided regulatory advice to SPI Energy regarding the continuation and finalization of the construction of the combined cycle of one of its power plants.
  • Advised ENEL on the liquidation of two regulated trusts and subsequent transfer of the assets held in trust to the State and other beneficiaries; these consist of the shareholding on two operating companies that are the owners of two power plants with an aggregate power capacity of 1600 MW.

Brons & Salas

With a long track record in the sector, Brons & Salas provides expert advisory on energy, regulatory and corporate matters, as well as being particularly active in litigation and arbitration in the electricity sector. Indeed the practice has counted the national power-grid operator  -Compañía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico (CAMMESA), which is made up of private and public energy market players - among its clients for over 20 years. Currently the team has been active as external counsel on a major green-gas development project; is handling various arbitrations under UNCITRAL rules concerning PPA contracts; and is acting in numerous judicial litigations arising from contracts failures in the sector arising during the Covid-19 pandemic. Sebastián Alvarez specialises in administrative and regulatory law and co-leads the practice with litigation experts Joaquin Vallebella and Guillermo Malm Green.

Practice head(s):

Sebastián Alvarez; Joaquín Vallebella; Guillermo Malm Green

Key clients

Inspection and Control Services

Praxair/Linde

Fortescue Metals Group

Compañía Administradora del Mercado Eléctrico Mayorista (CAMMESA)

Papel Prensa

Provincia de Misiones

Shandong Gold

Grupo Peñaflor

Mercedes Benz Argentina

Astrazeneca

The Clorox Company

Work highlights

  • Advised Fortescue on the development of a larger scale project under which the company aims to make a major investment (above $8bn) in the province of Rio Negro to produce and export green hydrogen from Argentina; this project includes the construction and operation of several renewable power plants.
  • Responsible for the defence of CAMMESA in a complaint filed by a company specialised in the construction, development, start-up, and exploitation of renewable energy power plants (thermal and wind), seeking the cancellation of a fine imposed due to a breach of contract consisting in the delay in obtaining a commercial permit for the plant.

Allende & Brea

The multidisciplinary team at Allende & Brea advises power industry clients on transactional, regulatory, environmental, tax, financial and litigation matters. The firm is increasingly active in the design and construction of natural gas and combined cycle power plants, as well as in the renewable energy segment; work in the latter area ranges from the negotiation of EPC contracts to the acquisition and financing of projects. Best known for her mining practice, Florencia Heredia leads the team and handles natural resources and energy matters, along with environmental mandates. Fellow partner Marcos Patrón Costas undertakes cross border M&A and project financing, with a primary focus on the energy sector.

Practice head(s):

Florencia Heredia

Cassagne Abogados

Specialist administrative law boutique Cassagne Abogados houses a long-standing electricity practice that specialises in public law matters, including the renegotiation of concession contracts and the challenging of fines, rates and regulatory orders issued by the authorities. Additionally, the group has noteworthy project development experience. Key contacts include Ezequiel Cassagne and Julio C Durand - both are public law experts.

Díaz Bobillo, Vittone & Asociados

Boutique firm Díaz Bobillo, Vittone & Asociados specialises in energy and administrative law, advising across the spectrum of electricity matters, including regulatory, commercial and contentious issues. Key names in the team include name-partner Víctor Díaz Bobillo, who is known for his broad power-sector practice, and energy regulation expert Manuel Goyenechea.

Practice head(s):

Víctor Díaz Bobillo