Both parties agreed that technical teams will reconvene within weeks to develop concrete projects aimed at filling available pipeline capacity. Current system capacity and the possibility of increasing pumping volumes were evaluated during the meeting. While capacity expansion would require additional time and capital investment, it could enable future liquefaction facilities and enhance global LNG commercialization from Vaca Muerta production.
Figueroa characterized Vaca Muerta as opening substantial opportunities for genuine energy integration with Chile and the broader region. The governor emphasized complementary resource positioning, noting that Argentina possesses hydrocarbon resources while neighboring countries provide infrastructure and market access. This combination, according to the provincial administration, can generate investment flows and development linked to Neuquén production.
The governor stressed that advancing regional energy integration requires strengthened bilateral relationships, investment predictability, and commitment fulfillment. The province has been developing a binational agenda with Chile’s Biobío region to enhance Pacific access routes for Vaca Muerta gas and petroleum.
The Madrid meeting formed part of Figueroa’s European tour, which included business meetings in Spain and participation in Argentina Week in Paris. The provincial agenda centered on consolidating Neuquén’s export profile, emphasizing LNG development, gas industrialization at source, and expanding market opportunities for Neuquén Basin production. Additional focus areas included tourism, agroindustry, and renewable energy development. The Pacific Pipeline strategy represents an alternative for expanding Vaca Muerta markets without full dependency on new transport infrastructure construction.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
