The Milei government officially announced two investments of USD 3.244 billion under the RIGI in Vaca Muerta

The government of President Javier Milei officially announced on Friday the entry into the Regime of Incentives for Large Investments (RIGI) of two projects by Transportadora de Gas del Sur (TGS) for USD 3.244 billion, aimed at expanding the processing and export of liquids from natural gas extracted in Vaca Muerta. The decision was reflected in resolutions 1976/2026 and 1977/2026 from the Ministry of Economy, published in the Official Bulletin, and will allow for the advancement of new energy infrastructure between Neuquén and the port of Bahía Blanca.

The initiatives, which had already received a favorable recommendation from the Evaluating Committee, will be developed by Midstream de Gas del Sur (MGS) and Procesadora de Gas del Sur (PGS), two companies controlled by TGS and established as single project vehicles. Their adherence to the incentive scheme was set for October 14, 2026, while the resolutions established investment commitments that must be credited to the authorities.

The largest disbursement, amounting to USD 1.849.6 million, corresponds to MGS and includes the construction of a 577-kilometer pipeline that will connect the Tratayén plant in Neuquén with General Daniel Cerri, near Bahía Blanca. A fractionation plant with the capacity to process 90,000 barrels per day of liquids will be installed there, in addition to transfer pipelines, storage facilities, and connection works with the port, from where propane, butane, and natural gasoline will be exported.

For its part, PGS will invest USD 1.394.7 million in a gas-rich capture system from the Neuquén Basin and in the expansion of the Tratayén processing plant. The project will include two gas pipeline branches and new cryogenic units that will raise the total capacity to 1.200 million standard cubic feet per day. Through this process, the liquid components of higher commercial value will be separated, while the residual gas can be incorporated into the trunk network to supply the domestic market.

The schedule presented by the companies states that construction work began in May 2026 and anticipates the start of commercial operations on February 1, 2030. With an estimated lifespan of 30 years, the complex aims to increase the export capacity of Vaca Muerta and take advantage of the potential of its derivatives, in addition to strengthening Bahía Blanca's role as a logistics platform for the export of energy production to international markets.

According to the latest financial review from TGS, the initiative could enable exports of approximately USD 1.200 million annually once it is operational. The approval of these two projects represents a new advancement in the implementation of the RIGI, driven by Milei's government to promote large-scale investments.