Developers mull Vaca Muerta investment

BUENOS AIRES, March 31, 2017 – Partners in Argentina’s Aguada Pichana unconventional development have requested to divide the concession into two. A securities form filed on Thursday indicated that the parties involved – YPF, Total Austral, Pan American Energy and Wintershall Energía – would jointly invest USD 500 million in the Vaca Muerta block following government approval.

If the deal goes through, Pan American Energy and Total Austral will operate the western and eastern areas, respectively. In addition, YPF would contribute USD 52.3 million and reduce its interest in Aguada Pichana.

Currently, YPF, Total and Wintershall each hold 27.3% stakes in the block, while Pan American Energy holds 18.1%. Total operates the block with a licence that has been extended until 2027.

The request comes on the heels of several other Vaca Muerta investment commitments made in recent weeks. Since February, Tecpetrol, Shell and YPF have announced separate plans for unconventional projects in the formation.

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