Pampa Energía has formally applied to Argentina’s Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones (RIGI) to support the development of a Central Processing Facility (CPF) and associated infrastructure at its Rincón de Aranda shale oil field in Neuquén. The company aims to scale production from initial levels of 7,200 barrels per day (bpd) to 20,000 bpd by the end of 2025, with a long-term objective of processing up to 45,000 bpd by 2026, positioning itself as a significant non-conventional oil producer in Vaca Muerta.
The requested RIGI incentives would ease tax and fiscal burdens on the $426 million project, which forms part of a broader $1.5 billion investment plan designed to decuple Pampa’s output in the 240 km² Rincón de Aranda concession. The CPF will process, store, and transport crude oil and natural gas through new pipelines integrated with existing key export and transport arteries, including the Gasoducto Perito Moreno and Oleoducto Vaca Muerta Sur. The plan also includes construction of pumping stations, storage terminals, and smaller satellite processing units to facilitate efficient hydrocarbon flow and continuity.
Current operations include five drilling pads with 35 wells in various stages, with early production from the initial pad surpassing expectations at 7,200 bpd. A preliminary processing plant already supports the 20,000 bpd target before the definitive CPF becomes operational. CEO Gustavo Mariani emphasizes the CPF’s strategic significance in capturing all regional production and reinforcing Pampa Energía’s footprint in Neuquén’s shale industry. Production growth will generate export revenues estimated at $1.2 billion annually starting in 2027, diversifying income sources and boosting Argentina’s energy exports.
The RIGI approval would expedite project timelines, enhance local employment, and attract further investment interest to Vaca Muerta, underscoring Pampa’s commitment to expanding its unconventional oil and gas portfolio amid increasing regional and global energy demand.
