CATL brought together key figures from Argentina's energy, financial, legal and regulatory sectors in Buenos Aires for the conference "The future of energy storage: proven value, financing, innovation and sustainable profitability".
The meeting analyzed how battery energy storage systems can support the evolution of the Argentine energy market by facilitating access to project financing, improving operational reliability, and generating long-term value throughout their life cycle.
Scale, security, and innovation as pillars of financial viability
Ray See, CATL's CEO for the Americas , opened the conference with a presentation on the company's business, innovations, development strategy, and key objectives. CATL ranked first globally in battery shipments for energy storage for five consecutive years. By 2025, it had invested over USD 3 billion in research and development and holds more than 60,000 patents worldwide.
The financing focuses on long-term value
The panel on financing included Matías Camponovo, Executive Director of Structured Finance at Santander Argentina ; Christian Deymonnaz, Director of Corporate Banking at Bank of China Argentina ; Matías Ibarra, Director of Structured Finance at ICBC Argentina ; Félix Frías, Director of Corporate at Balanz Capital ; and Juan Villar Mallagray, Investment Officer at IFC . The discussion addressed the conditions that can improve the financial viability of energy storage projects in Argentina and the alternatives for accessing suitable sources of financing in the current context.
Experts noted that financial institutions are increasingly focusing on the technological solution, the supplier's track record, product security, and its long-term operational performance. The discussion reflected a shift in focus: from initial cost to analyzing returns and risks throughout the project's lifecycle. Within this framework, the quality and reliability of suppliers, along with their ability to deliver and provide sustained service, are becoming increasingly important for securing financing.
Regulation will set the pace of growth in storage
The analysis of regulations and market prospects was led by Ricardo Castañeda, partner at Beccar Varela , and Gabriel Araneda, Renewable Energy Leader for Latin America at Bureau Veritas . As the Argentine sector progresses from initial pilot projects to larger-scale grid-connected projects, the speakers reviewed the current regulatory framework, compliance requirements for battery storage projects, and the bidding rules and regulatory changes expected in the coming years.
They also analyzed the market's potential scale and growth rate, as well as the impact of regulation and market design on project development, investment decisions, and financial feasibility. Long-term value, safety, reliability, and lifecycle performance were among the key attributes considered.
The needs of the system and new technologies will define the next stage.
The dialogue between industry leaders brought together Juan Luchilo, General Manager of CAMMESA , and Fernando Bonnet, CEO of Central Puerto . From the perspective of the electricity market administrator and the country's largest private power generator, they analyzed the next stage of energy storage in Argentina: the system needs that this technology can address, its commercial value, potential applications for generating companies, and the business models and revenue streams that could be developed.
The conversation also focused on Central Puerto's experience in building the largest battery energy storage project in Argentina under the AlmaGBA program and explored the opportunities and challenges associated with implementing these technologies, the lessons learned from project execution, and the contribution of energy storage to the future of the country's energy sector.
Participants noted that as the market grows in scale, owners' demands for performance, safety, reliability, and lifetime value will increase, while new technologies will have an ever-greater influence on project development.
A long-term commitment to Argentina and the region
Harry Lau, CATL's General Manager for Latin America , closed the conference with a presentation on the company's positioning and presence in Argentina and the region. CATL has already been awarded more than 15 GWh of energy storage projects in Latin America and supports their development from the initial stages through end-of-life management, providing comprehensive services and specialized local teams.
Leveraging its experience, innovative capabilities, and focus on long-term value, CATL aims to contribute to the development of reliable, bankable, and durable energy storage assets in Argentina and Latin America. As of June 2026, the company has exceeded 330 GWh in battery shipments for energy storage, a global scale that underpins its participation in Argentina's energy transition.
By Emilia Lardizabal
By Energía Estratégica
By Matías Medinilla
