Energy Security and Green Transition Policies in Argentina

Argentina, with its rich geography and resources, is currently facing a very complex socioeconomic situation, and, furthermore, the Argentinian state has made a drastic turn towards a liberalized economy, led by the new president, the economist Javier Milei, covering the energy sector as well. This chapter provides a review of the energy policies of Argentina and its challenges up through December 2024. The chapter situates Argentina within the global context of energy transitions, emphasizing the importance of energy security as a fundamental element for the development of any modern economy. Electricity is considered a key trend for the future of Argentina—in line with global priorities—so policies affecting its power system are highlighted. Despite the fact that Argentina has a reliable energy infrastructure and plenty of fossil and renewable resources, the lack of state policies jeopardizes the country’s long-term energy security. President Milei has oriented Argentina’s energy towards a liberal market-oriented shift; this policy opens the sector to new investments, particularly on transmission and distribution power lines, and gives a special emphasis to matching production costs and prices, with the purpose of relieving the public finances and recovering the trust of investors in Argentina. Under the new liberal federal administration, Argentina has become the center of attention of the world. It is now the responsibility of the new government to create lasting state policies that guarantee the country’s energy security, understanding it as a basis for a strong economy and, consequently, key for achieving sustainable development.