The ministry reported that nine critical observations identified during project evaluation have been resolved, clearing the technical pathway for the amendment. Regional governors including Richard Hancco of Puno and Wilfredo Oscorima of Ayacucho participated in the working session and endorsed the initiative, which addresses decades of regional demand for gas access. Salcedo emphasized the importance of processing speed given the extended timeline since production began in the region.
In parallel developments, ProInversión has concluded studies for a Cusco-specific regional pipeline and is entering the structuring phase to tender the infrastructure work. Salcedo indicated this separate initiative aims to provide broader regional coverage beyond the multi-region project’s initial scope. Cusco currently operates a satellite plant serving five families, with bidding underway to extend service to 995 additional households from the initial 1,000-family allocation. The regional pipeline project addresses longer-term energy security concerns, as the Camisea field holds an estimated 13-year production horizon while regional authorities seek 60 to 100 years of supply certainty.
Vice Minister of Hydrocarbons Iris Cárdenas outlined government interest in developing the Candamo deposit as a reserve expansion alternative. Exploration work has confirmed hydrocarbon presence in the zone, which could augment proven gas reserves to support household demand and power generation. Governor Hancco expressed support for Candamo development contingent on environmental protection protocols. Salcedo argued that combining hydrocarbon development with metallic mining could raise southern region GDP contribution to 7.5 percent, contingent on appropriate environmental controls and enforcement against illegal operations.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
