YPF President Horacio Marín announced the signing of a "Framework Agreement" with XRG, the international investment arm of the company ADNOC Group, the leading energy company in the United Arab Emirates and one of the ten largest in the world. The agreement was made together with Eni, the Italian oil company that is already part of the development of the Argentina LNG project, an initiative that seeks to turn the country into a global exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Horacio Marín junto a los inversores de eni y XRG
"We continue to strengthen our project with top-tier international partners, focusing on transforming YPF and Argentina into a major energy exporter for the next decade," Marín stated on his official X account.
A key step toward developing a gas export platform
The agreement was signed during the international ADIPEC 2025 fair, held in Abu Dhabi. According to the specialized portal EconoJournal, the understanding represents an essential step for the definitive incorporation of ADNOC XRG into the project. The Arab company is considered one of the world's leading hydrocarbon producers and operates in more than 20 countries.
The Argentina LNG project, led by YPF together with Eni, includes the production, transportation, and liquefaction of gas from Vaca Muerta. In its first stage, it foresees a capacity of 12 million tons per year (MTPA), with the possibility of expanding to 18 MTPA, and will use floating liquefaction infrastructure (FLNG) to reduce execution times and costs.
La empresa socia de YPF en el proyecto Argentina LNG
YPF sources explained that the entry of ADNOC brings capital, technology, and logistical expertise in LNG terminals, consolidating a cooperation network with international players that will allow the project to scale up to export levels comparable to those of countries such as Qatar or Australia.
The agreement with ADNOC adds to the series of strategic agreements that YPF has been developing since 2023 to boost unconventional gas production. ADNOC is one of the largest oil and gas producers on the planet and keeps LNG projects in Ruwais and Fujairah. Its participation marks the first direct incursion of Middle Eastern capital into the Argentine gas chain.
"This first step will allow us to move forward with the necessary agreements for the definitive incorporation of XRG into the project," Marín emphasized.
YPF abre la posibilidad de atraer capital internacional de las empresas más grandes del mundo
Economic impact and export outlook
According to private estimates, the construction of the LNG hub could generate more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, an investment exceeding 25 billion dollars, and a potential income of 15,000,000,000 per year from exports by 2030.
With the incorporation of ADNOC, YPF consolidates an energy integration strategy that seeks to leverage the potential of Vaca Muerta to diversify the export matrix, balance the trade balance, and ensure a stable flow of foreign currency.
"The goal is for Argentina LNG to become a world-class platform, with a transformative impact in terms of employment, investment, and international positioning," the oil company stressed in a statement.
YPF consolida su proyección como exportadora de energía
The understanding with ADNOC Group strengthens the international openness of the Argentine energy sector. The national government keeps that the development of projects such as Argentina LNG will be key in the next decade to consolidate Argentina as a relevant player in the global clean and safe energy market, and as a strategic partner of the world's leading powers.
