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Controversy grows over Mendoza Los Nihuiles concession

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2026-08-06 23:11 UTC → 2026-08-27 02:02 UTC · added removed

Controversy grows over Mendoza Los Nihuiles hydroelectric concession

In late July 2026 2026, the Mendoza provincial government formally assumed control of the Los Nihuiles hydroelectric complex on the Atuel River, ending a decades‑old decades-old concession and appointing held by Hidroeléctrica Los Nihuiles S.A. (HINISA). Governor Alfredo Cornejo formalized the state‑owned takeover, appointing state-owned Hidroelectricidad Mendocina S.A. (HEMSA) as interim manager. The province and national authorities opened to manage the facility while a public national-and-international tender is conducted for a new 30‑year 30-year operating licence, requiring licence. The tender requires the future operator to rehabilitate flood‑damaged units, modernise the plant units Nihuil II and ensure long‑term sustainability. Within III, which have been out of service since a week, members severe flood in January 2025, and to modernize the plant. Legislative opposition has intensified the transition. Members of the Justicialist Party in the Mendoza legislature, led by legislature and the Justicialist Party, San Rafael local legislature demanded a briefing from Energy and Environment Minister Jimena Latorre. Lawmakers argued that alleged the concession process had proceeded without lacked sufficient legislative oversight, potentially violating provincial law Provincial Law 9.630 by failing to pursue an integrated concession with the neighboring Diamante complex, and risking expressed concerns regarding water, energy energy, and royalty revenues. They called for detailed information on Further controversy has emerged regarding interim operations. While the tender’s terms, investment commitments province contracted the Consorcio de Empresas Mendocinas para Potrerillos (CEMPPSA) to ensure continuity, political opponents have raised concerns about potential favoritism and transparency measures, emphasizing links to national government interests. Additionally, investigations are examining whether a company linked to Grupo Neuss received early access to the strategic importance facilities for maintenance. The management of a multi-million dollar insurance policy related to the project for 2025 flood damage is also expected to influence the region. final concession terms.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-27 02:02 UTC Controversy grows over Mendoza Los Nihuiles concession
  2. 2026-08-06 23:11 UTC Mendoza Los Nihuiles hydroelectric concession

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