Vaca Muerta and new exploration areas dominated debate on energy development

The expansion of Vaca Muerta, growing oil production and the opening of new exploration areas were the main topics of the latest episode of Modo Shale. The program also examined the challenges Argentina faces in turning its energy resources into greater productive activity and international integration.

The episode opened with a review of the record reached in oil production and the weight of shale oil from the Neuquina Basin in the sector's evolution. The expansion of transport infrastructure and the growth of exports were pointed to as key factors in consolidating a larger-scale growth stage.

Guillermo Savasta, president of Gas y Petróleo del Neuquén (GyP), explained the scope of the bidding round carried out by the provincial company. The process received proposals from ten companies for eight hydrocarbon areas, a level of participation that shows corporate interest in expanding exploration beyond the blocks currently under development in Vaca Muerta.

The interview also covered the stages following the opening of the bids and the evaluation of offers. The tender seeks to attract investment, generate new subsurface data and gradually extend the area under activity, in addition to strengthening GyP's role in promoting Neuquén's resources.

Economist Gustavo Svarzman, a researcher at the Interdisciplinary Institute of Political Economy of Buenos Aires, offered a broader view of the conditions needed for energy to become part of a development strategy. Among the factors mentioned were infrastructure, investment, technology, supplier competitiveness and the continuity of public policies.

Energy potential was presented as an opportunity to generate foreign currency and improve the country's external position. However, Vaca Muerta's impact will depend on the ability to add value, develop productive supply chains and link export growth to a long-term agenda.

With information from Mejor Energía.