ItresE and EDEMSA Build Argentina’s First Digital Substation
ItresE and EDEMSA completed Argentina’s first fully digital substation in Mendoza using Bentley Systems’ OpenUtilities Substation and ProjectWise, reducing costs and errors while enabling remote collaboration.
The useful question is what changes for users, developers or buyers, and whether the announcement stays industry context or becomes something people can actually use.
ItresE, an energy consultancy and Bentley knowledge partner, collaborated with EDEMSA, Argentina’s major energy distributor, to deliver the country’s first 100% digital substation in Mendoza. The project aimed to modernize infrastructure by eliminating traditional CAD tools, cutting project time, and fostering collaboration among dispersed teams. EDEMSA sought a partner capable of navigating local challenges and ensuring successful implementation, leading to the selection of ItresE for its regional expertise and Bentley certification.
The Palmares substation was digitized using Bentley’s OpenUtilities Substation and ProjectWise solutions, addressing concerns about software underutilization. ItresE provided a full ecosystem including consulting, training, and support to ensure EDEMSA’s team could fully leverage the tools. Alejandro Donnadieu of Bentley noted that ItresE bridged the gap between advanced technology and Latin American operational realities, securing EDEMSA’s confidence in the project.
The project’s most significant outcome was the creation of a collaborative environment where all stakeholders, including subcontractors, could work together remotely. Mariano Schister of ItresE highlighted that Bentley’s technology integrated project participants, enabling faster delivery and fewer errors without requiring physical proximity. This approach maximized results by ensuring seamless communication and coordination across teams.
Following the Palmares substation’s success, EDEMSA now mandates the use of Bentley technology in new tenders, setting a new industry standard in Argentina. ItresE views the project as a replicable model for other regional markets and plans to expand Bentley solution adoption at EDEMSA and beyond. Schister emphasized the milestone’s potential to inspire similar transformations in other sectors facing digitalization challenges.