Vaca Muerta Seeks to Position Itself as Energy Source for Data Centers

The global expansion of artificial intelligence is reshaping investment destinations and driving up energy demand from data centers. In 2025, global spending on digital infrastructure reached US$ 770 billion, while the power consumption of these facilities could rise from 141 GW to 262 GW between 2025 and 2030.

In this scenario, Vaca Muerta emerges as an alternative to capture part of the new technology projects. The availability of unconventional gas in the Neuquén Basin would allow offering firm generation throughout the day, a central attribute for operators who need to guarantee continuous operation of servers and computing systems.

One of the options being analyzed consists of installing thermal power plants next to data centers under the behind-the-meter scheme. Isolated generation at the point of consumption would reduce exposure to restrictions affecting electricity transmission and high-voltage networks, while also taking advantage of gas produced near the deposits.

According to the sector analysis cited in the report, the cost of that electricity could range between US$ 25 and US$ 30 per MWh. Meanwhile, Neuquén is evaluating corridors for this type of investment, with a territorial connection between Añelo, Tratayén and Arroyito, in the Limay River basin.

The opportunity is also linked to the need to expand demand for Argentine gas resources. The Argentine Institute of Oil and Gas estimates 255 Tcf of technically recoverable natural gas resources in the country, compared to cumulative production of close to 3 Tcf through the end of 2023. Data centers could function as a way to export energy transformed into computing capacity, without transferring the entire resource to major urban centers.

Projections for Argentina contemplate electricity consumption for the industry of around 4 TWh toward 2035 and annual spending exceeding US$ 3.5 billion from 2030 onward. However, development will depend on access to financing, regulatory stability, country risk, and eventual approval of a specific regime for artificial intelligence and data center projects exceeding US$ 1 billion.

With information from Mejor Energía.