YPF has taken a significant technological leap by opening the first integrated real-time intelligence and control room in Argentina at its Plaza Huincul Industrial Complex. This advanced facility, operating 24/7, aims to optimize refinery efficiency, safety, and profitability in line with YPF’s Plan 4×4 strategic framework. The integration of artificial intelligence across key operational systems is expected to enhance industrial margins and advance Argentina’s position in energy production.
YPF inaugurated the Plaza Huincul Integrated Room, combining the Real Time Intelligence Center (RTIC) and the control room into a single physical and operational space, a first in the national refining industry. The facility is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of 11 specialists focused on processes, planning, control, and energy management, working continuously to monitor over 117 variables through the Optimax platform displayed on more than 20 screens. The system incorporates five AI agents designed to assist operators by providing optimization recommendations and technical responses equivalent to specialized manuals, thereby improving decision speed and quality without replacing human expertise. This AI support reduces response times and allows operational personnel to maintain focus on critical process variables. The center supports YPF’s Plan 4×4, oriented to maximize efficiency, reduce deviations, optimize energy use, and improve industrial performance. The company estimates that this innovation will contribute an incremental integrated margin exceeding $4 million in its first year through enhanced coordination and operational precision.
The Plaza Huincul refinery processes over 95% of crude sourced from the Vaca Muerta shale formation, producing key fuels including nafta Súper, Infinia gasoline, Grade 2 diesel, and aviation JP1 fuels for Patagonia Norte distribution. Additionally, it hosts the country’s sole large-scale methanol plant supplying domestic and international markets. The integrated control room is complemented by continuous training through operational simulators to elevate safety and reliability standards. This development follows YPF’s broader digital transformation initiatives, including recent RTIC launches in upstream operations in Buenos Aires and refining centers in La Plata and Luján de Cuyo, showcasing the company’s commitment to leveraging AI and real-time data analytics to optimize Argentina’s hydrocarbon value chain.
