Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Argentina Signs Addendum to Restart Santa Cruz Hydroelectric Project

Financing from Chinese banks unlocks a phased restart under newly signed terms.

Overview

  • Economy Minister Luis Caputo announced the resumption of works after more than two years of suspension, beginning with the Jorge Cepernic (La Barrancosa) dam.
  • ENARSA and the Gezhouba‑led consortium signed Adenda No. 12 at the state company’s headquarters, removing legal and financial barriers to proceed.
  • About 150 workers have started medical checks to return, with a fuller ramp‑up planned after winter due to seasonal limits in the Río Santa Cruz region.
  • A US$150 million transfer from Chinese banks in January proved critical to reopening the project alongside revised technical and economic terms.
  • Officials target completion around 2030, with expected output of roughly 1,860 GWh a year for Argentina’s national grid.