Joint Effort to Support Mining and Local Communities

YPF Energía Eléctrica S.A. (YPF Luz) and Central Puerto S.A. (NYSE: CEPU) have signed a strategic agreement to collaborate on the development of a large-scale electrical interconnection project in Argentina. This partnership aims to supply clean and efficient electricity to the Puna region, with a special focus on supporting the mining industry.

The project will connect key mining areas, including the Pastos Grandes and Hombre Muerto salt flats in Salta and Catamarca provinces, to the Argentine Interconnection System. Additionally, there is a potential extension to the Carachi Pampa salt flat. The transmission line is expected to cover approximately 140 km, with the possibility of extending up to 350 km, ensuring efficient and sustainable energy delivery.

Project Details and Strategic Importance

The investment for the project ranges from $250 million to $400 million, depending on its final scope. This ambitious initiative will enhance energy access to local communities and bolster the mining industry’s competitiveness by providing reliable, sustainable power solutions.

Fernando Bonnet, CEO of Central Puerto, emphasized the strategic importance of this project, particularly in light of the growing global demand for critical minerals essential for the energy transition. YPF Luz CEO Martín Mandarano highlighted Argentina’s opportunity to position itself as a leader in copper and lithium production, reinforcing the collaboration’s potential to drive long-term benefits for the country, local provinces, and communities.