The Secretariat of Energy granted Southern Energy —the consortium comprised of PAE, YPF, Pampa Energía, Harbour Energy, and the Norwegian Golar— the first firm permit to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) for a period of 30 years in Argentina's history.
The authorization will allow the export of up to 11.7 million cubic meters per day (MMm³/d), consolidating a key project for the country's energy and economic future.
Details of the LNG project
The permit is tied to the installation of a liquefaction vessel on the Argentine coast, an endeavor with an initial investment of US$2.9 billion, which could expand to US$7 billion by 2035, according to official estimates.
The project has already received approval under the framework of the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), part of the reforms promoted by Javier Milei's government to foster the development of strategic infrastructure.
"The approval of the RIGI guarantees fiscal and regulatory stability for long-term investments", highlighted the Secretariat of Energy.
The commercial operation of the first vessel is scheduled for mid-2027. Currently, negotiations continue among the partners to define the construction of a second liquefaction unit, which could double the export capacity toward the next decade.
