The RIGI brings together projects worth nearly US$ 200 billion, with Neuquén as the main destination
The Large Investment Incentive Scheme (RIGI) had accumulated as of September 1st approved and under-evaluation projects totaling US$ 199.01 billion. Of the total, more than three-quarters corresponded to initiatives that had not yet received approval.
The survey by Paspartú registered 22 approved projects, one rejected, and another 22 under analysis. The initiatives in process represent announcements of US$ 151.936 billion, although the report cautions that available public information does not allow for complete knowledge of all case details.
Oil and gas concentrate 80% of the announced investment in projects under evaluation, while mining accounts for 18%. Neuquén brings together US$ 89.5 billion, equivalent to 58.9% of the amount corresponding to that group. Among the largest-scale proposals are Argentina LNG, from YPF, for US$ 51 billion, and LLL Oil, also from the state oil company, for US$ 25 billion.
The composition changes among already-approved projects. In that segment, mining represents 62.7% of minimum investment in computable assets, with US$ 18.109 billion, while oil and gas contribute US$ 9.75 billion, or 33.7%.
The set of approved initiatives foresees total investment of US$ 47.074 billion. Of that figure, US$ 28.888 billion correspond to computable assets subject to penalties for non-compliance, and US$ 18.186 billion would fall outside that commitment. Estimated initial investment for the first two years reaches US$ 11.808 billion.
The analysis questions the lack of detailed information on construction schedules, financing, local employment, and production and export projections, especially in projects continuing under evaluation. It also raises regulatory concerns for gas pipeline exports, given the absence of a framework to replace previous regulations. As an alternative, it proposes that the Energy Secretariat establish rules on authorizations, potential redirects to the domestic market, and the binding nature of export contracts linked to Vaca Muerta.