Vaca Muerta Could Attract Up to $100 Billion in Investments Through 2030

Vaca Muerta is positioning itself as a strategic asset for Argentina in a global scenario marked by growing energy demand, the need to diversify suppliers, and geopolitical tensions. The Neuquén formation could attract up to $100 billion in investments toward 2030.

The projection was presented by Julen Baztarrica, partner at McKinsey and head of the consulting firm's energy practice, during the 62nd IDEA Colloquium held in Mar del Plata. According to the analysis, the development of the deposit would also have the capacity to generate approximately $30 billion annually in exports and around 200,000 stable jobs.

The specialist argued that although transportation and industrial electrification will advance alongside the growth of data centers linked to artificial intelligence, oil and gas will remain relevant for decades to come. The combined share of both hydrocarbons in the global energy mix could shift from the current 65% to a range between 40% and 55% by 2050.

In this context, gas would gain importance for energy security reasons, while an annual decline of between 3% and 5% in existing oil production would require new developments to offset it. Baztarrica highlighted that Argentina holds the second-largest unconventional gas reserve and the fourth-largest unconventional oil reserve, alongside competitive conditions and a favorable location to supply markets in the Northern Hemisphere.

To expand Vaca Muerta's scale, the specialist outlined the need to double drilling, increase processing capacity, and advance new pipelines, gathering lines, and port infrastructure. He also identified improvements in productivity, strengthening of the local industry, and worker training as priorities.

During the meeting, Hernán Kazah, co-founder and managing partner of Kaszek, positioned energy, mining, and the knowledge economy among sectors capable of complementing agriculture as growth drivers. He also emphasized the importance of preserving fiscal balance and external stability to secure new investments.

Information sourced from Mejor Energía.