Roundup: Capacity market regs, generator's silver-gold project stake, US$500mn green bonds

Capacity market 

Chilean capacity market regulations were due to be resubmitted to the office of the comptroller general this week after being withdrawn on Thursday.

The step, the energy ministry said in a statement, is part of the regulation-analysis procedure being carried out by the autonomous auditing body and indicates the process is advancing.

Approval from the comptroller general is needed for the regulations, which potential energy storage investors are eagerly awaiting, to enter into force. The regulations should provide greater clarity in the sphere of remuneration, in turn, potentially helping ease access to finance.

Central Puerto

Argentina’s biggest electric power generator, Central Puerto, entered into a subscription agreement to acquire Cdn$10mn (US$7.29mn) in shares of Toronto-listed miner AbraSilver Resource via a private placement.

Central Puerto had previously said it was exploring investment opportunities in the local metallic mining industry.

The power firm, consolidating its position as the generation sector’s biggest player, last year announced the acquisition of forestry assets. 

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AbraSilver, meanwhile, will use the funds for the exploration and development of its flagship Diablillos silver-gold project in Salta province, among other purposes.

Canadian-based Kinross also agreed to acquire Cdn$10mn in AbraSilver.

Engie Energía green bond sale

Chilean power generator Engie Energía placed US$500mn in green bonds on the international market.

Proceeds will be used to finance renewables and energy storage system projects, a statement said.

Engie is exiting the coal-fired generation sector while expanding its renewables and energy storage capacity. The firm has announced coal plant conversion projects involving biomass and natural gas.