Public consultation date set for Pampa Energía shale block pipelines

Public consultations are due to be held for two midstream projects planned at the Rincón de Aranda shale block in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta unconventional hydrocarbons formation.

Gas-focused local player Pampa Energía is working to expand its oil footprint, with Rincón de Aranda a central pillar of its plans.

The environment department of Neuquén provincial government said public consultations would be held on November 7 for a 28.5km gas pipeline of eight inches in diameter and a 36.5km oil pipeline of 12 inches in diameter.

The gas duct would connect to compression infrastructure in Bajada del Palo Oeste, an area operated by Vista Energy. In terms of the oil pipeline, this would connect to pumping infrastructure at YPF area La Amarga Chica.

Pampa has also submitted studies associated with planned frac ponds and a crude treatment plant.

The company expects its oil output to climb to around 48,000b/d in 2027, driven by Rincón de Aranda, with the higher production requiring further facilities and logistics investment. 

Pampa oil output – accounting for around 5% of its hydrocarbons production – was 5,400b/d in Q2, up 7% year-on-year. 

YPF and Vista are the two biggest Vaca Muerta producers, together accounting for around 43,000m3/d of the 61,400m3/d pumped out of the formation in July. YPF alone registered 32,000m3/d, giving it a commanding lead over Vista and the rest of the pack.