The Government authorized YPF to proceed with a key project for the development of Vaca Muerta

The Ministry of Energy authorized YPF to proceed with the construction of a new gas pipeline in Neuquén, a project considered strategic to strengthen the energy infrastructure linked to the development of Vaca Muerta

The measure was formalized through Resolution 141/2026, published in the Official Gazette, after the company submitted all the technical and environmental documentation required by provincial and national authorities

The authorization allows for the crossing of the Planicie Banderita dam, within the perimeter of the concession of the Cerros Colorados Hydroelectric Complex

What areas will the new gas pipeline connect

The project is part of the initiative called "Gasoducto PC LAS to Collector 13 ISTMO", designed to connect the unconventional exploitation areas La Angostura I and II with Loma La Lata – Sierra Barrosa, two key zones for hydrocarbon production in Neuquén

The authorized section crosses lands granted to Cerros Colorados Hidroeléctrica Argentina S.A., whose exploitation is managed by Edison Inversiones S.A.U.

The agencies that evaluated the project

Before granting the final authorization, the Government requested technical reports from various specialized agencies

Among them participated:

• The Interjurisdictional Authority of the Basins of the Limay, Neuquén, and Negro Rivers (AIC)

• The Dam Safety Regulatory Agency (ORSEP)

• The concessionaire of the hydroelectric complex

• The Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources of Neuquén

ORSEP concluded that the construction does not affect the safety of the dam or the monitoring systems, although it recommended paying special attention to a sector located below the maximum levels of the Mari Menuco reservoir

For its part, the AIC determined that the project does not generate significant impacts on water resources or aquatic ecosystems, although it issued a series of preventive recommendations due to the environmental sensitivity of the area

Environmental approval and requirements for YPF

The definitive backing arrived in April, when the province of Neuquén approved the Environmental Impact Study through Resolution 672/2026

The environmental license imposes a series of obligations on the state-owned oil company, including:

• Properly restore the areas disturbed during excavation

• Install shut-off valves on both sides of crossings under watercourses

• Use only authorized water sources

• Obtain an environmental insurance policy with sufficient coverage

• Ensure that the waste management companies have the corresponding environmental certificates

Additionally, YPF must inform provincial authorities about the start, progress, and completion of the work

A key project to expand gas production

The authorization is part of the energy infrastructure expansion process promoted by the Government to support the growth of Vaca Muerta and enhance hydrocarbon exports

The new gas pipeline will improve connectivity between strategic production areas and facilitate the transportation of gas from some of the country's most important fields