(The Energy Circle, June 23) Argentina is positioning itself once again as a strategic energy supplier in South America, leveraging the immense untapped potential of Vaca Muerta and a growing export relationship with Chile.
During a recent seminar hosted by the Gas Electronic Market (MEGSA), energy experts emphasised the long-term value of Argentina’s unconventional gas reserves in driving regional energy integration—especially in the context of the continent’s shift toward cleaner energy sources.
Despite over a decade of activity, Vaca Muerta remains largely underexploited, with only 6% of its full capacity developed to date, according to energy engineer Marc Llambías. This leaves a massive growth runway not only for gas production but also for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), ethane, and other byproducts—key to meeting diversified regional demand.
Llambías highlighted the Gasoducto Néstor Kirchner as the linchpin of Argentina’s ambitions. The pipeline is expected to increase throughput capacity, enabling higher production volumes and creating new export corridors. “Gas is a strategic asset that Argentina has in abundance. With modern infrastructure and a stable framework, we could reverse our energy deficit and generate sustainable export surpluses,” he noted.
Luciano Codesseira, co-director of the Energy Institute at Universidad Austral, emphasised Chile’s role as a natural export market. Once a thriving gas partner in the early 2000s, Chile was forced to diversify after Argentine supply disruptions. However, since 2018, the trend has reversed: 57% of Chile’s gas imports now come from Argentina, indicating a path to restored bilateral trust.
“The idea that Chile is culturally resistant to Argentine gas is outdated,” Codesseira said. “What we need now is long-term strategy, stable contracts, and infrastructure to support that vision.”
The consensus among sector leaders is clear: Argentina has the resource base and technical expertise, but lacks the consistent policy framework and investment in logistics infrastructure required to become a dependable regional energy hub.
As Latin America moves toward energy transition goals, Argentina’s natural gas could serve as a cleaner bridge fuel. But success will depend on stable regulations, cross-border agreements, and regional trust—elements that must be actively built.
