YPF is set to make the largest private investment in Argentine history to export gas from Vaca Muerta - Clarín | 13/08/26

YPF submitted the Argentina LNG project to the Large Investment Incentive Program (RIGI), which calls for an investment of US$51 billion over its entire lifespan to produce, liquefy, and export gas from Vaca Muerta. The initiative, developed in partnership with Italy’s Eni and XRG, involves an integrated supply chain that includes gas production in Neuquén, processing plants, gas pipelines, port infrastructure, and two floating liquefaction units off the coast of Río Negro, with a combined capacity of 12 million metric tons per year and scheduled to begin operations in 2031. Of the total projected investment, approximately US$29 billion would be disbursed by the time the vessels begin operations, including US$24 billion for strategic infrastructure and US$5 billion to develop production and drill the necessary wells in Vaca Muerta. The companies estimate that the project could generate exports of nearly US$10 billion annually over two decades and purchases from domestic suppliers totaling about US$15 billion. During construction, between 2026 and 2030, approximately 20,000 jobs per year are projected, with a peak of up to 40,000 workers, while the operational phase would sustain about 8,000 jobs annually. The financing is being developed with JPMorgan through a project finance structure backed by future revenues and long-term export contracts, while YPF and its partners expect to make the final investment decision by late 2026. Link to Article