Energy Secretariat creates XDEM regime requiring large new power users to self-supply
Published · Updated
What happened
The Energy Secretariat issued Resolution 264/2026 establishing the XDEM regime for projects with very large electricity demand. Under the new rule, qualifying projects must self-supply their electricity instead of drawing that demand from the grid.
Why it matters
The measure changes the investment conditions for large electricity consumers by adding generation or contracted self-supply requirements to project design and approval. It also reallocates part of future demand growth away from the grid at a time when transmission and generation capacity are constrained.
Argentina's Energy Secretariat announced Resolution 264/2026 creating the XDEM regime, which requires projects with very large electricity demand to provide their own electricity supply rather than rely on the national grid. The measure is aimed at large new loads such as data centers, mining and other electricity-intensive investments. It changes project development economics immediately by shifting power procurement, interconnection and permitting requirements onto investors.
Watch for
Energy Secretariat publication of the full operative text and annexes of Resolution 264/2026 in the Official Gazette by 2026-09-29 CAMMESA clarification on registration, dispatch or settlement treatment for XDEM projects by 2026-09-29 Major project sponsors in data centers or mining filing public requests to revise power-supply plans or project timelines by 2026-09-29 ENRE or the Energy Secretariat issuance of technical criteria on interconnection and compliance thresholds for large-demand self-supply by 2026-09-29
Sources
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