Governor Rolando Figueroa emphasized during the binational Neuquén-Bío Bío meeting in Concepción that infrastructure already exists and can be expanded at low cost. He noted that Neuquén holds approximately 30 billion barrels of oil reserves available for sale and that Chile currently imports gas at higher prices than what Argentina could offer. The province views Chile’s proximity to the world’s second-largest gas reserve and fourth-largest unconventional oil reserve as a strategic advantage for both countries.
For Brazil, Neuquén aims to complement the country’s annual gas consumption, which slightly exceeds Argentina’s, by leveraging production dynamics of Brazil’s pre-salt fields. Accessing these consumption centers and maritime export points requires improving logistical competitiveness and reducing operational costs associated with geographic distances from major markets and equipment production centers.
The provincial government plans to use revenues from Vaca Muerta to finance economic diversification and avoid exclusive dependence on hydrocarbon cycles. Engineering studies are underway for hydroelectric, wind, solar and geothermal projects designed for execution as economic and technological competitiveness improves. Lower internal energy costs would support irrigation expansion, industrial attraction and sustainable long-term revenue generation.
Infrastructure development remains central to the integration agenda. The Pichachén international border crossing is scheduled to begin paving in March 2027, improving connections between northern Neuquén and Bío Bío while forming part of a corridor linking multiple Argentine provinces to Pacific ports. Neuquén is advancing a 750-kilometer road network connecting 20 towns, 20 lakes and various international crossings. The Mamuil Malal crossing paving is set for completion in March 2027, with Hua Hum paving projected to begin in 2028.
Chilean Energy Minister Ximena Rincón stated that Chile cannot waste opportunities presented by Argentina’s Vaca Muerta energy wealth and called for establishing a working table bringing together both nations’ leaders and agencies. The former Huachipato steel complex in Talcahuano emerged as a potential strategic hub, with existing connections to Neuquén via the Pacific Gas Pipeline and Trans-Andean Oil Pipeline offering conversion into an industrial, logistical and technological development pole.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
