Argentina LNG - Shale24

The industry can turn associated gas into a new energy business.

Nicolás Arceo for Shale24

Vaca Muerta’s associated gas doubled in 2025 and hit a new record in January 2026: Can this byproduct of the oil boom be monetized?

Associated gas — the gas that inevitably emerges as a byproduct of oil production in the black oil and liquids-rich window of the Neuquén formation — is rich in high-value components. In January, output climbed to 26.7 million cubic meters per day, setting a historic record. The industry is closely monitoring the trend, as it could open the door to a new business opportunity.

The swap with Pluspetrol could act as a catalyst to unlock the project

Strategic Reconfiguration

Argentina LNG: YPF consolidates high-density gas “sweet spots,” partners with Eni and ADNOC

The swap with Pluspetrol could act as a catalyst to unlock the project, where key players have already begun positioning themselves. By consolidating control over high-density gas areas, YPF is building the stable, large-scale supply base needed to make a megaproject like Argentina LNG financially viable.

ABB’s smart building solutions optimize energy consumption.

The “smart stadium” gains traction

ABB turns stadiums into smart ecosystems to boost efficiency and sustainability

Innovative solutions use energy-saving algorithms that evaluate the time of day, natural lighting and the total load on the power grid, ensuring stadiums operate at maximum efficiency regardless of the

Horacio Marín’s YPF took control of 100% of the Meseta Buena Esperanza, Aguada Villanueva and Las Tacanas blocks in Vaca Muerta.

New agreements

YPF expects additional 20% jump in Vaca Muerta gas output after Pluspetrol swap

YPF and Pluspetrol sealed a cashless asset swap that will allow the state-controlled oil company to consolidate full control of three key areas in Vaca Muerta, while the private firm repositions itself in high-potential blocks through Vaca Muerta Inversiones.

Gov. Alberto Weretilneck and YPF President and CEO Horacio Marín.

Regulatory and cooperation framework

Río Negro, YPF: Key points of the strategic agreement to advance the Argentina LNG Project

The memorandum acts as a kind of “local RIGI,” setting out clear conditions and long-term commitments for executing the project within provincial territory.

The ABB plant in Tucumán that earned the recognition.

Electrification, efficiency and digitalization

ABB plant in Tucumán earns global “Mission to Zero” certification with ambitious sustainability measures

It became one of the first 35 facilities, out of the Swiss multinational’s 170 worldwide, to obtain the certification.

In Mozambique, part of Eni’s Coral North/North FLNG project.

Energy Insights 2025

Baker Institute: Why Vaca Muerta is moving toward a floating LNG export model

According to the research compiled in Energy Insights 2025, the annual report from the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, Argentina’s LNG development is moving toward a floating LNG (FLNG) model due to financial constraints.

The world’s second-largest LNG importer behind China

Argentina LNG: Japan joins the list of potential partners interested in Vaca Muerta shale gas

Argentina LNG was the main topic that drew more than 60 representatives from Japan’s energy sector to a recent webinar organized by the Argentine Embassy in Japan.

Horacio Marín confirmed to Shale24 the next steps for Argentina LNG

Negotiations move forward

Exclusive: JPMorgan to serve as structuring bank for the $20 billion Argentina LNG financing

Horacio Marín told Shale24 that the U.S. giant will lead the project finance for the priority 12-MTPA phase once the binding agreement with ADNOC is signed. The FID would be taken in mid-2026, and exports would begin in 2030–31.

Frédéric Barnaud of SEFE with Rodolfo Freyre of Southern Energy

The deal will run for eight years

Southern Energy signed an agreement with a German state-owned company to export LNG starting in 2027

It is the largest LNG sales operation from Argentina in terms of both volume and duration. The agreement was signed by Rodolfo Freyre of Southern Energy South America (SESA) and Frédéric Barnaud of Germany’s SEFE. The deal further strengthens Vaca Muerta’s position as an international player.

YPF and Eni continue writing history together.

Key agreement

YPF and Eni formalize joint venture in Block OFF-5, marking their most ambitious bet yet on South Atlantic pre-salt play

The oil company led by Horacio Marín signed an agreement with Italy’s Eni to jointly explore Block OFF-5, which spans 17,000 square kilometers and reaches a maximum water depth of 4,100 meters.

Southern Energy will decide in the coming days how the pipeline project will be carried out

Key project

Argentine Gas Companies Interested in Pipeline Linking Vaca Muerta to Golfo San Matías

The project involves a 480-kilometer pipeline that will supply Southern Energy’s Argentina LNG project. This key infrastructure for energy exports is set to finalize its development plan in December. Both TGN and TGS have expressed interest in participating in the project.

YPF could add new partners to the Argentina LNG project -

New partners interested in the YPF project

YPF is advancing strategic alliances with the United Arab Emirates for LNG from Vaca Muerta

With its sights set on 2027, YPF will seek to integrate Middle Eastern oil companies. The first would be ADNOC, and Saudi Aramco is also expected.

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